TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to former World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) man of the year winner and charity fundraiser Paddy Conaghan following his death at the age of 85.

Conaghan of Arranmore Island, west Donegal won the prestigious WOWSA award in 2022 after he completed 300 charity swims between December 2021 and February 2022.

He had circumnavigated Ireland in a small van “ducking” in to the sea at every pier he could get to on any given day. On his most challenging day he managed twelve ‘ducks” in to the sea in the depth of winter.

Conaghan raised over €100, 000 for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope which is a community counselling and play therapy service based in Dungloe, Co Donegal.

The charity said that they were “devastated” to hear of the sudden passing of their friend Paddy at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin last Wednesday.

“Paddy was not just a dear friend, he was an inspiration to everyone he met and a kind, caring, sincere man.

Paddy’s adventures Ducking and Driving around Ireland helped by his good friend Elaine Barney raised huge sums of money for lots of charities this past few years.

“Never thinking of himself he always wanted to help others, and this he done with pride in our local community by raising well in excess of €100,000 for Gemma’s legacy of Hope.

This money has funded our counselling service for almost two years and in turn helped so many people in this community to get the help they needed to turn their lives around and give them hope for the future.”

The charity has offered its condolences to the family of the deceased. They have also asked members of the public to provide a guard of honour at the pier in Burtonport in Co Donegal at 4.10pm today as the pensioner is brought back to his beloved Arranmore on the 4.30pm ferry.

Meanwhile, Donegal Councillor Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party said that Conaghan was a “truly remarkable man whose spirit, generosity and determination touched so many lives”.

“Paddy was nothing short of inspirational. To take on such extraordinary challenges in his 80s, swimming right around our coastline, often multiple times a day, is something most of us could never imagine. Yet he did it not for recognition, but to help others” she said.

“He raised over €100,000 for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, and supported so many other causes along the way, including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause very close to my own heart.” 

“My father and grandmother sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease, and I had the privilege of meeting Paddy during his travels. That is something I will always be grateful for,” she continued.

“Paddy showed us all what it means to live life fully, to give back, and to never let age define what is possible. His message was simple but powerful: keep going, keep moving, and make the most of every day.”

She said Conaghan was “a kind, genuine man who left a lasting impact wherever he went, not just through his fundraising, but through the hope and encouragement he gave to others”.

A funeral for the pensioner will take place on Thursday. My Glynn Funeral Directors posted online that the exact details are yet to be confirmed. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Gemma’s Legacy of Hope or to the dedicated donation page.