WARM tributes have been paid to Patrick Santry who passed away surrounded by his loving family at Bantry Hospital on Sunday.

Patrick was described in his death notice on rip.ie as being ‘fondly missed by all his many friends and colleagues at CoAction and West Cork Jesters’.

Jesters rugby posted a tribute to ‘our very dear friend Patrick Santry’ on its Facebook page accompanied by Patrick proudly wearing the club’s merchandise.

It wrote: ‘Patrick was a Jester through and through, we were another branch of his family and we cherished him deeply. His kindness and presence meant the world to so many of us and his Jester family also meant the world to him.

‘Patrick got involved with all things Jesters in whatever way he was able, he so enjoyed taking part in the boxing training and it became a highlight of his week.

‘Although unable to take part in our rugby sessions, he experienced it vicariously, always keeping abreast of training times, matches and venues. From his residential situation he would help organise other players to make sure they had all the information and communicate back to us.

‘Patrick enjoyed all our social occasions, he loved to help at fundraisers, he adored being out and about selling tickets, chatting with everyone, he enjoyed the Christmas dinner dance, being part of our cafe and then The Bakehouse more recently.

‘Above all Patrick was a wonderful person, a kind, generous and deeply caring person. He made a huge difference to all those around him, he was a man who never complained, who grasped new and exciting situations and experiences as much as possible and always, always gave 100%.

‘He lead us out every year at The St Patrick’s Day Parade just as he did this year, proudly guiding his Jester family through the event and being the lynchpin of the social gathering afterwards.

‘We will miss this compassionate kind hearted gentleman so much but we also want to acknowledge how much he contributed to the Jesters since our humble beginnings in 2018. Rest easy our lovely friend, you will be forever missed, your absence so deeply felt. May Patrick RIP.’

CoAction West Cork also paid tribute to Patrick. Posting on social media: ‘We are deeply saddened at the passing of Patrick, a cherished member of our CoAction family. Patrick brought a warmth, kindness and a special presence to our community and he will be greatly missed by staff and friends alike.’

Patrick’s funeral mass took place on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church, Lisavaird with burial in the adjoining cemetery. The son of the late Michael and Helen, and brother of the late Micheál, he is survived by his loving brothers and sister Sean, Nuala, Donal, Liam and Barry, extended family and friends.

His family thanked all of Patrick’s carers and helpers and Bantry General hospital for the wonderful care given to him.