Patrick Purcell : Short Biography

Patrick Purcell (15 Oct 1882-28 Feb 1975) was born in Belderrig, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo to John Purcell (1853-27 Jul 1919) and Mary Madden (c1856-22 Feb 1932). He wasa National School Teacher. On 2 May 1905 he married Mary Bridget Reynolds, (30 Jan 1881-3 Feb 1927), a daughter of Hugh Reynolds and Bridget O'Flaherty of Killannin, Co. Galway at the RC Church of Kilcommon Erris, Mayo. They had ten children whose names were; 

John Joseph (Jack), (20 Nov 1905-29 Apr 1921)

Mary Bridget, (15 Aug 1907-1 Oct 1932) aka Sr. Mary Laurentia, Convent of Mercy, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Josephine Anne, (13 May 1909-5 Mar 1990), married to John Patrick (Jack) Leonard (10 Oct 1896-26 Nov 1976)

Patrick Leo, (20 Oct 1910-5 Nov 1934), known as Leo, Headmaster of Carna NS, Ard West, Clifden at his death

Bridget (9 Apr 1912-11 Nov 2005), known as Darlie, married to Patrick (Patsy) O'Toole (1908-3 Nov 1976)

Margaret, (4 Feb 1914-29 Aug 1933), a student teacher at her death

Eugene, (3 Aug 1916-1 Dec 1997), married to Eileen Martyn (26 Sept 1914-16 May 1995) 

Sheila Teresa, (10 Apr 1918-6 June 2014)

James Michael, (16 Sep 1921-30 Jan 2019), known as Seamus, married to Bridget Mary Agnes Lynch (21 Jul 1915-6 Feb 1989), known as Bridie

Patricia Frances, (19 Mar 1924-29 Jan 2015), known as Patsy, married to James Charles (Jim) Brennan (23 Jul 1924-27 Apr 2001)

Patrick Purcell taught at Pullathomas NS, Mayo and later at Gortaganny NS, Roscommon from 1911 to 1914, Rosmuc NS, Galway as Headmaster from 1914 to 1928 and at Sylane NS, Galway from 1928 to his retirement in 1948. Following the death of his wife, Mary Bridget in 1927 he moved his family to Tuam, Galway in 1928. The family lived at St. Benin’s Terrace, Balgaddy Road, Tuam. Patrick remarried on 19 Sept 1935 in St. Andrews Church, Dublin.  His second wife was Catherine Murray (13 Dec 1911-8 Oct 1974), a daughter of James Murray and Margaret Lynch of Cullighmore, Ballinsloe, Galway. They had 2 children;

Catherine, (1936-17 May 1991), Headmistress of Palmerstown Primary School in Dublin at her death

Catherine, (1 Feb 1939-16 Feb 1995)

During his years in Tuam, Patrick took a very active part in community life. He became Chairman of the Town Commissioners. He was also Secretary of the Show Society and he helped in the revival of the local Feis.

Patrick  Purcell died at Peamount Nursing Home, Dublin while resident at 5 Daly Place, Wood Quay, Galway, Co. Galway. He is buried in Rahoon Cemtery, Galway with his second wife, Catherine Murray.