Pat Hannigan: A True Irishman
James Patrick Hannigan or Pat as he was known to all his friends - his death on the 14th November 2004 brought sadness and shock to Comhaltas members in Britain and Ireland. His untimely death has left a huge void amongst family and friends and in Comhaltas circles and Gasra na nGael Céilí Club where he was a member for many years and served all so well throughout his lifetime.
Pat came to London in October 1951 from Co Limerick. He worked in landscape gardening for some years then became a coach driver touring Britain. In later years he joined Charringtons first as a driver and then became Transport Manager.
Pat loved music and dancing and was at the Céilí in St Augustine’s in Hammersmith every Friday night. There he met the late Terry Bowler and joined the Bowler Academy of Irish Dancing and competed in Feiseanna throughout Britain. In the mi-50s Pat joined Gasra na nGael Céilí Club in Victoria and celebrated 50 years with the Club in 2003 and was still MC at the monthly Céilí prior to his death. He joined Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the 60s and was a member and officer of the Leagrave branch in Luton.
Pat was a great family man and loved everything Irish and took his family to Ireland every year. He was one of life’s givers; he was always dropping someone off at the train station, picking them up at the airports, taking someone to a meeting or session. He will be sadly missed.
He was always promoting Comhaltas with his many Socraíocht and concerts.
He presented a programme of traditional music and song on Chilton Radio for many years. He compiled a lovely video called ‘The Gold Ring’ with the help of his many friends in Ireland and Britain and donated the entire proceeds to St Francis Hospice in Berkhampstead.
Pat is ruvived by his son James, daughter-in-law Annette and granchildren Lisa, Stephen and Nicola, sister Joan and brother-in-law John, brothers John and Thomas and sisters-in-law Annette and Catherine and many loving nieces and nephews.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many dear friends.
May he Rest in Peace.
