Paddy Roche Has Passed

The beautiful Mrs Roche…

long with her late husband, Charlie, Paddy Roche was a big, big part of Greystones…

And not only because they opened Roche’s Chemists up in Blacklion back in 1974.

The couple were part of the town’s very fabric, from sports to schools, from commerce to craic, and beyond.

Along the way, they were aided and abetted by their equally productive and equally mischievous kids, Hilary, Charlie Jnr, Fiona, Paul, David and Richard.

Back in 2018, we sat down with Paddy for My Greystones – which you can check out here – and we put together a little personal history too…

Young Patricia Johnson was born in Limerick, raised in Kerry and was educated in Roscrea. Which would explain the wicked sense of humour. Studying medicine and pharmacy in UCG and UCD (where she also played camogie and hockey), it was in 1958 that Paddy married the bould Charlie. And a terrible beauty was born. Followed, in rapid succession, by six others.

Working in various hospitals throughout the years – and, of course, the longstanding Roche’s Pharmacy in Blacklion – Paddy handed in her badge (and her taser) at Newcastle Psychiatric Hospital in 1996. So she could dedicate more time to her music, man. And causing mischief with choirmaster Brendan Kelly, and organists John Aldridge, Donard McGee and John Morris, before stepping down in 2016.

And now, 15 years of Charlie passed, Paddy has left us too.

Condolences to all her kids, and extended family and friends.

The funeral will be on Saturday, July 11th in The Holy Rosary at 2pm – full details here.