Patsy was born on 5^th March 1947, the 6^th child in family of 16, to the late Seamus and Kathleen Cairns. Born in the townland of Hollandstown, the family then moved a short distance to the home on the Slopes where Patsy spent his youth. He attended St. Colman’s Bann Primary School and St. Patrick’s College in Banbridge. After leaving school, he served his time as a butcher and eventually owned his own business in Dundalk. Four years ago, he returned to his native parish of Tullylish and the townland of Bleary – a place very close to his heart.

Patsy loved pigeons and was a well known pigeon fancier with lots of awards, trophies and certificates to show for it. He and his great friend Sean Parkins shared this love of the pigeons.

His other great love was his garden and he was a renowned plant man! Anyone who has seen his magnificent garden can bear testimony to that. It is full of, not only beautiful plants and shrubs but also many of Patsy’s hand-made pieces for Patsy also had the gift of creativity and the skill of a carpenter.

Patsy was one of life’s characters - a ‘joker’! He could entertain a nation - he loved the craic and always had a joke, a funny saying or something very witty to say in his casual way and not a smile on his face. His brother-in-law gave the nickname of ‘talk-talk’ which is self explanatory!

He suffered ill health for many years and he bore it all with great fortitude and humour. He would often comment if his siblings went on holidays that they might have to come home if he died!

One of his favourite outings was to Chez Rose twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Thursday visits were known as the ‘breakfast club’ when he and the brothers met at his sister Rose’s house for breakfast. It was on Thursday past when Patsy didn’t show for the breakfast that they knew something was up. Patsy had quietly slipped away, sitting in his armchair, with no fuss. His last outing would have been to his beloved garden and what a fitting way for him to go.

Patsy will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him – his friends, the pigeon community but especially his family –in Dundalk and in Bleary.

Our sympathies go to his wife Anne, his children Kenneth, Rachel and Regina, son-in-law Brendan, grandchildren, his brothers and sisters and entire family circle.