Killeavy GAA, Armagh, Ulster and indeed the country are all the poorer since the passing of Paddy Mee.
Many would have known and recognised Paddy as an adjudicator at provincial and All-Ireland finals in Rince Foirne and Rince Seit dancing competitions.
He adjudicated as recently as November 30 at the Ulster finals in Scór na nÓg, just three weeks before his untimely passing.
Paddy was man immersed in and dedicated to Irish language and culture, especially dancing.
For many years he mentored teams in Rince Foirne (team) and Rince Seit (set dancing) from his beloved Killeavy GAA club.
The highlight of this was surely the success of his set dancing team who won the All-Ireland Scór Sinsir in Dublin in 2015.
However, mentoring was not Paddy’s only involvement in Scór.
He served for many years on Coiste Scór Ard Mhacha, fulfilling a three-year term as cathaoirleach from 2004 to 2007.
He often acted as Fear a’ Tí at Scór and in more recent years provided the amplification and dressed the stage with the relevant flags both in Armagh and Ulster.
He could be relied on to transport his own flag stands and poles, fitting for all Scór occasions, whether that be a divisional heat in Armagh or an Ulster Final.
Paddy’s service to the GAA and to Scór has been recognised at all levels of the association, such was his commitment and dedication.
In 2002 he was named Killeavy GAA ‘Club Person of the Year’. In 2015 he received an Ulster President’s Award from then Uachtarán Comhairle Martin McAviney.
In 2018, he was also awarded the Long Service Award by Uachtarán CLG Seán Ó hÓráin.
More recently, Paddy was awarded his home club’s highest accolade, the Killeavy GAC Medal of Honour.
Born above a bar in Dundalk, Co Louth, Paddy was a lifelong Pioneer, having earned his diamond pin for 60 years, and dealt in furniture for most of his working life.
He met and married his beloved Bené and lived his married life and reared his five children, John, Pádraig, Gerard, Sheila and Mary, in Killeavy, Co Armagh.
Paddy Mee died aged 84 on December 17.
He will be missed for his quick wit, dancing expertise and as a friend and confidant to many.
His contribution to his club, county and province is immeasurable.
Pilib Mag Shamhráin