PAUL DILLON’s sudden death on Sunday has left communities heartbroken in West Clare.
On Sunday afternoon, an alarm was raised shortly after 2pm when it emerged that a man had fallen and was swept to sea.
Rescue 115 was tasked to Kilkee for a search and rescue operation along with Aran Islands RNLI All Weather Lifeboat, Kilkee Irish Coast Guard Unit, HSE National Ambulance Service and local Gardaí. The units were stood down shortly after the man’s body was recovered north of George’s Head. An investigation into what led to the tragedy will be conducted by An Garda Síochána, sources have confirmed.
Father of two, Paul Dillon was picking seaweed with a family member at the time of the accident, The Clare Echo understands.
Noted for his dedication whether it be to his family, work or sporting endeavours, Paul was a quiet unassuming man. He was born in Tullycrine but lived with his beloved wife Roisin and their two children in Knocknagore, Kilkee.
Members of the Dillon family, Kitty, Paddy, Siobhan, John, Stephen, Pakie and Edel have been associated with Shannon Gaels GAA club for decades, “Paul will be remembered fondly as being a proud family man, very dependable, a loyal and solid friend, quietly going about his business on and off the field,” a spokesperson for the club recalled. “Paul will be sadly missed by all and will forever be in our hearts”.
On the field with Shannon Gaels, Paul played at all grades throughout his underage career. He won many championship’s including U16A (‘94) and 21A (‘97 & ‘99) with the club throughout the 1990’s typically lining out as a tight marking corner back where he played in the Minor A final in 1997.
Similarly for Tullycrine Celtic, Paul gave nothing but his best lining out at left back in the early 2000s week in week out. “Paul would be the first man out on the pitch home and away and was always supported by Roisín in attendance at every match. His enthusiasm and commitment was second to none,” a friend outlined.
He was highly regarded by his work colleagues in Clare County Council. “Paul was always so helpful and willing in any jobs he was asked to do in a calm and pleasant way,” acting senior executive officer of the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley stated. “Working with Paul in Clare County Council showed how good he was, so obliging and helpful always,” senior executive officer in the Economic Development Directorate, Carmel Greene noted.
Paul will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son, daughter, parents Paddy and Kitty (Dillon), brothers John, Stephen and Patrick, sisters Siobhán and Edel, parents-in-law Philip and Marian (Vaughan), uncles, aunts, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, work colleagues in Clare County Council, neighbours and many friends.
