Waterford says goodbye to veteran, community man and father Paul Malone
The late Francis Paul Malone
The funeral of veteran Francis Paul Malone took place at the Sacred Heart Church in Ferrybank on Thursday morning.
Paul passed away at age 82 on Monday, November 18, at University Hospital Waterford.
Fr Roderick Whearty paid tribute to Paul’s service in the Irish Defence Forces, as a peacekeeper, his part in the 1961 Battle of Jadotville and his work in his community of Ferrybank.
“All of those life experiences went into making the man Paul was, loved by so many. He was also very much a community man who gave himself, immersed himself in community life, especially again, as we saw earlier... in the allotments, in Ferrybank and in the Residents Association.
“It sounds like he was very much a doer. He didn't sit back and watch others. He got up and he did it himself, a real example to all of us. I suppose his work, his involvement and his commitment to his local area was, I know, very much appreciated, will never be forgotten,” said Fr Whearty.
An Athlone-native Paul made Ferrybank his home.
He was a member of A Company 35th Infantry Battalion of the Irish Army and part of the Engineering Corp.
He was deployed to the Congo in 1961 as part of a peacekeeping mission requested of the UN to ensure the peaceful withdrawal of Belgian Forces from the region.
Paul told his story of his time in the Congo in the 2022 edition of the Festive Star.
But at his funeral, Paul’s soon to be son-in-law Ross spoke about his pride in the Defence Forces and that the celebration of his life was made more special by the presence of IUNVA, especially those from Post 9.
“Paul’s army career saw him retire as a Sergeant, with multiple deployments throughout his career.
He was always so proud of the part he played in the Jadotville encounter in 1961 in the Katanga region of the Congo where 50 Irish people valiantly defended the region and today thank Paul for his bravery and pursuit of peace,” said Ross.
During the requiem mass, symbols were presented to represent parts of Paul’s life and “open up his story.” President of Irish United Nations Veteran’s Association Paul Cooley presented the organisation’s chain, symbolising Paul’s time as president of Post 9.
Paul’s son David presented a secateurs to represent Paul’s “time and commitment” to the allotments in Ferrybank.
David also brought forward a tablet to represent his father’s love of music and history.
Paul’s son-in-law-to-be Ross spoke on behalf of the Malone family.
He told those gathered of Paul’s wicked sense of humour, passion for his community in Ferrybank and his love for his friends and family.
He spoke about Paul’s hard work, especially in the Defence Forces and the establishment of the community centre and his tendency to find himself in “peculiar situations”. And that he always had a good story.
“Looking around it is fairly unsurprising to see the sheer number of people sharing stories about Paul, about his selfless nature, unrelenting passion for his community in Ferrybank, love for his friends and family and, most famously, his love for joking, sometimes with an inappropriate streak.
“Paul was an absolute joy to be around and he never let you away with anything,” said Ross.
As part of the eulogy, Ross read aloud a piece written by Paul’s daughter Niamh and son David, wherein they said: “We cherish all the memories we had of Dad. He gave us everything and taught us so much. It sounds cliched but he honestly was the best Dad.
“We consider ourselves incredibly privileged to be able to call him our beautiful Dad. Rest easy, your duty is done.”
Following the mass, Paul was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the Sacred Heart Church.
Paul is pre-deceased by his parents Charles and Kathleen, brothers George and Maurice, sister Kathleen and first wife Nuala.
He is sadly missed by his wife Christine, his children Niamh, David, Philip, Tony, Dermot and Helena, Niamh's fiancé Ross, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brothers Andy, Charlie, Gabriel and Jimmy, sisters Mary and Ann, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
