'A gentleman and great soldier' - Kilkenny community mourns Irish Defence Forces veteran

Mourners are offering condolences to the family of a Kilkenny man who served in the Irish Defence Forces. 

Patrick "Paddy" Cody was a retired Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant (BQMS) with the Irish Defence Forces who died peacefully on January 29, 2024 in the care of the staff at Youghal and District Nursing Home, Gortore, Co Cork. 

He formerly lived at Fr Murphy Square, Kilkenny, The Curragh Camp, Co Kildare and Dungourney, Co Cork. 

Paddy will be dearly missed by his loving brothers Liam in Florida and Anthony (Tony) in Dungourney, Co. Cork, sisters-in-law Margaret and Monica, his nephew John, nieces Fiona and Antoinette, grandnephews and grandnieces, relatives, his many friends and neighbours and all of his army colleagues. 

He is predeceased by his parents William and Margaret. 

According to RIP.ie, Paddy’s family would like to especially acknowledge the care and kindness shown to him by all the staff at Youghal and District Nursing Home.

He was buried in St Kieran's Cemetery in Kilkenny earlier today (January 31). 

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association posted their condolences on their official Facebook page, where they confirmed Paddy served in three Infantry Batallions (Inf Btn) and Military College (Mil Col), overseas with the UN in Cyprus with five Infantry Groups from October 1965 to March 1966, and with Infantry Groups from October 1967 to March 1968. 

Hundreds of mourners paid tribute to the military man on RIP.ie: 

"For the short time I have known Paddy I feel like it has been a life time. From stories to chats I will be forever grateful for the time spent getting to know him. Every time I see the sun come up and the birds chirping I will always think of him. Thinking of all the family at this time. Sleep peacefully soldier. We will miss you." 

"My sincere sympathy to Tony, Margaret and all of Paddy’s family, it was indeed a privilege to get to know paddy over the past year and to listen to his incredible stories . May he now rest in peace." 

"It was an honour to have been able to care for Paddy. His wit and humour and kindness will be missed by all of the staff at Youghal and District Nursing Home." 

"R.I.P Paddy, remembering you as one of my daddy's good friends & a real gentleman. My sincere condolences to all your family." 

Father Eddie Dowley said, "Sincere sympathy to Paddy's brothers Liam and Anthony, and his extended family. I was in the same class with Paddy in the C.B.S. and knew Paddy as a very loyal friend of the Friary all his life." 

Paddy's former colleagues also offered their condolences. 

Captain Joe Kelly (Retd) said, "Deepest sympathy to the Cody family on the passing of Paddy. I had the great pleasure of serving with Paddy, a true gentleman and great company." 

Michael Gannon said, "My deepest sympathy to all of Paddy's family on his leaving us. I had the privilege of serving with Paddy in the Defence Forces over many years. A genuine and as very helpful an ‘army man’ as you could wish for. I very quickly learned that his advice and especially his word was inviolable. I know so many who did likewise. May you now rest in peace, Paddy." 

BQ Pat Foley (Retd) said, "Condolences to Paddy's family on his passing. Knew Paddy very well in the Curragh he was always a gentleman and great soldier. Rest in eternal peace." 

Maeve Quigley said, "I had the pleasure to serve with Paddy in The Army Apprentice School. An absolute gentleman . Condolences to all of Paddy's family. R.I.P." 

CQMS Davy Ussher (Retd) said, "Deepest sympathy to all of Paddy's family on his passing. I had the privilege of serving with Paddy in the Defence forces. A genuine and very helpful NCO who knew all there was to know about logistics. The advice and encouragement given to me and many others was legendary. May he rest in peace." 

Lieutenant Colonel J O Neill (Retd) said, "Rest in Peace Paddy. Fond memories of our time together in 52 Inf Bn Lebanon."