Paddy Linden - a familiar face but who is he?!
An instantly recognisable face in Coalisland but who is Paddy Linden?
A reader at Mass for the past 30 years, the Belfast schoolteacher, who set up home in Brackaville, is also a leading organiser of the MacRory Cup, has worked with the youth at Ógras and coached GAA teams in the area; currently Edendork senior Ladies.
He talks about the importance of his faith and how it can be our refuge when trying to make sense of tragedy and loss.
Paddy recalls his childhood on the war-torn Falls Road in Belfast and the trauma his beloved mother, and others, endured while bringing up young families.
His father, also Paddy, was an accomplished boxer, which young 'Pat' didn't know until he was told by a coach at the local boxing club. There are special memories of his father bringing him to Barry McGuigan world title fights.
There was also a meeting with the legendary George Best, whose father Dickie was a friend of Paddy's dad.
The first time he went to play Gaelic football at school he arrived wearing a Manchester United jersey and shinpads. However Paddy went onto to play for Antrim minors and recalls the friends-for-life he made on the Christian Brothers' college team.
His teaching career soon had him working with great coaches and former McRory Cup adversaries at St Pats Maghera.
On the Ulster Coaching and Games committee, he is the Ulster Council Colleges representative.
Paddy names lads he taught who went on to be sport stars and the local club players he coached he would most want on his team.
Paddy also bemoans the attitude missing in Antrim that brings success in Tyrone.
Paddy and Ronan both recall a local sports' writer who made scathing comments about them in a newspaper.
It is a life well lived that includes great days following Manchester United, the joy of his children and grandchildren and trips away with his wife Emma.
You won't be able to say you don't know that man who does the readings at Mass in Coalisland, after listening to this most uplifting podcast!
