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Sligo County Council remembers Padraig Flanagan, Angela Henry and Paddy Callaghan who passed away in 2005

Padraig Flanagan had the distinction of being one of the longest serving members of staff of Sligo County Council; He joined the Council in 1959 at the age of 15, and would serve the next 45 years as a loyal and dedicated member of the Roads Department.

Padraig took enormous pride in his work, and his expertise and attention to detail can be seen in the many road projects he was associated with throughout the county. For the last number of years he worked as Chief Technician, and his work in the Roads Design Department brought him into regular contact with members of the public. They invariably found him a man of honesty and integrity.

Padraig’s colleagues recall that one of his great characteristics was his desire and ability to see a project through to the end. He was good at his job, making decisions, coming up with new ideas and proposals, keeping others interested in their work. When working outdoor on schemes he preferred to start very early, which was his way of leading by example. Not only did he supervise the work, but he built the blocks, laid the pipes and mixed the concrete.

Senior Engineer Jimmy Harney (retired), recalls that ‘he was a most kindly man as all of us who knew him will always remember the many things we learned from him, we will remember with great affection and it was a pleasure to have known him and a privilege to have been his friend for over 40 years’.

Angela Henry was born in Sligo and lived there all her life, apart from a short time spent in Dublin. She attended Ballintogher N.S. and then Mercy College Sligo. On leaving there she took up a post with Dublin Health Authority based at James’ Street, Dublin. She was offered a position in the Health Section of Sligo County Council. Sligo had more than good scenery to attract Angela as her husband to be, Danny, would have been the principal reason for Angela’s return to Sligo. She spent many happy years with Sligo County Council in the offices at the Courthouse. Angela and Danny married in 1973 and Angela gave up work to care for her two sons, Donagh and Enda.

She enjoyed this career break but missed the interaction and social side of work outside the home. As Donagh and Enda grew up she joined a ‘Back to Work FÁS course and went back to full time employment in 1995. Angela was a lively person who loved to chat and debate.  She did things thoroughly. If she held an opinion it was difficult to convince her otherwise – she had complete confidence in her own ability. She loved her job, enjoyed her career in the Roads Section. She made many good and loyal friends, and is remembered fondly by her colleagues in Governor’s House. Angela bore her illness with immense courage and dignity. The Angela we all remember shone through especially at that time.

One of Sligo’s best known and loved fire-fighters Paddy Callaghan passed away in 2005.  Paddy fought bravely against illness before passing away on 16th July at his home supported by his wife Betty, sons Mark, Patrick and Darren and his family and friends.

Paddy’s untimely passing is an inconsolable loss to his family and he will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues in the fire service. Paddy was well known to all living locally, his love for football and support for Sligo Rovers was well combined with his enthusiasm for life making him one of the happiest people greeting all he met with a smile and chat. He continued so to the day he passed away. He worked very hard throughout his life, both for his family and the community. During his service in Sligo Fire Brigade he worked at some of the most difficult incidents the brigade has had to deal with. The professional manner both he and his colleagues worked has saved many lives and numerous properties. He did so selflessly and beyond the call of duty.

Paddy befriended all he met and it as a friend we shall all remember him. May our good friend rest in peace.