The late Pat Dorgan, a distinguished table tennis player with medals from the Special Olympics and European Championship to his name, was honoured at his funeral in his home city of Cork. Having devoted his life to creating a genuinely inclusive environment, the 59-year-old was much loved within the athletic community. Pat, hailed from a large family of sixteen, died peacefully at his residence on Redemption Road surrounded by his dearly loved ones.
His sibling, well-known poet and writer Theo Dorgan, took to social media to pay tribute to Pat’s noble character, referring to him, who lived with Down syndrome, as “the very essence of mankind.”
Theo added, “He taught us the true meaning of love and helped us strive to be our best versions.”
During the touching Requiem Mass at North Cathedral on Shandon Street on Saturday, Pat’s sister, Noreen, spoke fondly of him. She described him as the family’s core, quickly becoming the favourite among them.
She laughingly recalled, “He might not have been a saint, but as a youngster, he was a delightful little scamp.”
She revealed that Pat’s lifelong friendships with Teddy and JJ began at St Paul’s school in Montenotte, where Pat also developed his passion for table tennis.
Noreen continued to share about Pat’s time at COPE Foundation, where his support and encouragement never waned. Pat, who desired nothing but gave his all, led a rich and varied life.
Adding to Pat’s character, she mentioned, “His life was filled with happiness. He was as naive as a child and as wise as Buddha. Pat had a unique ability to read a room, instantly identifying the vulnerable, the fun-loving, and those he could playfully flirt with.”
Noreen’s heartfelt speech painted a picture of Pat’s joyful and generous life, leaving mourners with a heartening message of his lasting impact on his community, friends, and family.
The ceremony, led by Fr Jilson Kokkandathail, highlighted the strong familial affection held for Pat by his numerous siblings. Pat, who was beloved by many, passed away before his parents Bertie and Rose, and his brothers and sisters Nuala, Gerard and Michael. Those he left behind include his siblings Theo, Ellen, Bertie, Noreen, Martina, Jack, Christy, Kay, Stephen, Margaret, Angela and Assumpta, as well as his extended kin and two close friends, Teddy O’Connor and John Joe Allen. Following the ceremony, Pat was peacefully laid to rest at the Rathcooney cemetery. Among the attendees was the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle.
Special Olympics Ireland paid their respects to Pat, hailing him as a cherished athlete who significantly contributed to their organisation. Down Syndrome Ireland also reflected on the loss of Pat, touching on the void his passing leaves amongst his expansive network of friends, supporters and his doting family.
Pat was more than just an athlete. He was also a medal-winning competitive table tennis player who made a remarkable impression at the 2007 games in China and brought back a gold medal from the 2014 European games. A champion for diversity and inclusion within sports, Pat occupied a cherished role as a Special Olympics ambassador.