Former 'flamboyant' Derry teacher killed in tragic accident laid to rest

A former Derry teacher who was tragically killed in an accident was described as “flamboyant” who “stood out from among others” today.

Paddy Flanagan, a retired teacher from the Waterside area of Derry, died in hospital a short time after being found seriously injured on the Foreglen Road, Dungiven on November 2.

Police believe Mr Flanagan may have been the victim of a hit-and-run incident.

Mr Flanagan had previously taught at St Columba’s Primary School in Newbuildings.

Speaking to mourners at this morning's Requiem Mass in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Trench Road, parish priest Fr Michael Canny said the 69-year-old was a big part of the Prehen and Newbuildings community for a “long and significant number of years”.

Fr Canny continued: “We all know him of course, as being that flamboyant person and in more latter years with his hat, and we see it on the coffin here today, and of course also his dress and his hairstyle, he certainly stood out from among others.”

The parish priest added that Mr Flanagan grew up in the Woodside Road area of the Waterside as part of a big family, where he had many happy days with friends and people from all sections of the community.

“Paddy was also full of fun,” Fr Canny said. “He enjoyed so many things, the family told me about an occasion when Paddy was out with a home made bow-and-arrow and shot one of his brothers. So Paddy and mischief went hand and hand.”

A former pupil of St Columb's College, Fr Canny told mourners that Mr Flanagan was a “teacher of his time” but seen the best in all of his pupils.

“He believed in discipline and hard work from all of his students.

“He also had a lot of fun and loved each and every one of them (pupils).

“Paddy saw in each and every one of them, their own individual dignity and their own importance and he tried to get out of each and every one of them the best.

“They may not have thought it at the time, they might not have realised it at the time but of course he saw in each person and unique character, a unique person and he wanted for each and every one of them to grow up to be the best people they could be.

“ He knew and valued the importance of education.

“He was associated with St Columba's Primary School and saw many pupils down through the years and got them through the Eleven Plus, working hard with them and sharing sweets with them.”

Fr Canny described Mr Flanagan as a “family person” with a razor wit.

“I met him about three weeks ago”, Fr Canny said. “I said to him 'Paddy how are you doing', and he said 'how do you think I'd be doing living in a house with two women!'. I said, 'well Paddy you've got two and I can't even get one'.

“But of course, Paddy was a husband and a father and they tell me he was their cook but he wasn't their cleaner, but Paddy was an important part of their life.”

He added: “Many other people know Paddy from his social life, as well as his flamboyant dress. I think he also had many different friends in many different places sharing a a beer or whatever.”

Mr Flanagan was the beloved husband of Paula, loving father of Sian, cherished son of Patricia and the late Eamon and dear brother of Sean, Michael, Margaret, Geraldine, Pauline, Eamon, Kevin, Seamus and Noel.

Mr Flanagan was laid to rest in the City Cemetery.