10/09/2026
Everyone at Newport Town AFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our much-loved club member and dear friend, Paschal Harvey. Paschal was an embedded part of the fabric of our club linking past, present and future generations in the wider Newport community for many years, and his loss will be felt by so many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Over the years, indeed decades, he gave so much of his time, energy, and heart to Newport Town AFC, always willing to help, always interested in what was happening around the club, and immensely proud to see it moving forward. Paschal served the club in so many different roles: as a player, a social footballer, long-serving ‘lifelong’ committee member, former chairperson, a great supporter of our youth’s academy, a coach, mentor & manager to successful junior men’s teams, ‘fundraiser extraordinaire’, club shopkeeper, loyal supporter, clubman, and friend. A little-known fact to many, was that Paschal played a pivotal role at point guard on the club’s ‘basketball’ team in the earlier years of local tournaments and was our three-point go-to-hero – ‘give it to Paschal’ was the simple but effective tactic & Boom! – the 3 points were inevitable.
That was Paschal, he just made it happen – no fuss, just results. Along with others, he just made Derryleigh Park happen too. He was synonymous with the club’s fundraising endeavours at that crucial period of growth, expansion and development. Undeniably, Paschal played an enormous part in the early success of the club lotto. Armed with his catch phrase, ‘3 for 5’ and his affable sales technique honed from years working in retail, nobody refused a lotto ticket, rather they sought him out across a crowded bar to purchase. He greatly contributed to the many other significant fundraising efforts, helping to raise literally ‘hundreds of thousands of euros’ that went towards the continued development of Newport Town AFC and the facilities at Derryleigh Park, a place of which he was immensely proud.
After numerous years of loyal service to the club, he was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in Dec. 2015. The Hall of Fame honours and acknowledges the soccer club’s appreciation to men and women past and present who have contributed greatly to our club since its foundation back in 1970. Paschal’s contribution was not just measured in his titles or positions or lotto sales, but in the countless hours he gave, the conversations he shared, the encouragement he offered, and the steady support he provided through good days and some more difficult ones. His quite counsel was always sought in directing the club’s progression.
Newport has lost one of life’s true gentlemen, a kind, generous and loyal friend, a constant face of the soccer club and his local community – he truly was known and loved far and wide. He understood what the club meant to people, especially to young players coming through, and he always wanted to see Newport Town AFC grow stronger for future generations. Paschal was a familiar and welcome face on the side-line, at club events, on away trips, and around the various grounds. Whether he was talking football, offering an opinion, lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or enjoying a bit of friendly banter, his presence always added something special. His love of sport was well known, especially for the soccer club but also notably his passion for Tipperary GAA & Manchester United, both of which often sparked plenty of chat, humour, and debate – and could he hold his own in a debate – his breath and depth of sporting knowledge was encyclopaedic.
Above all, Paschal will be remembered as someone who cared deeply about his family, his club, his community, and the people around him. He will be greatly missed, but he will be fondly remembered for many years to come. He was gifted with the common touch, he knew how to communicate with everyone, and everyone felt seen, heard and safe in Paschal’s presence. He recognised that every person had a story, every life carried dignity, and every encounter could become a place of connection. So, we don’t really think of him so much as gone, but rather just gone down the road where he will be taking a great interest in the club results and future developments.
Paschal’s last post on the club WhatsApp notifications group, shortly before he passed was ‘Great win 🔴⚫️’. Hopefully, we will have many more wins and good days to honour him and his immense legacy. When you stand in Derryleigh Park watching a game, Paschal will be there, cheering on the club and his tribe with other club greats who have gone before – they’ve a new committee member now, somewhere in heaven guiding our future growth – we’re in good hands.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paschal’s family, friends, neighbours, and all who knew and loved him. On behalf of everyone at Newport Town AFC, we thank Paschal for his kindness and friendship, his loyalty and commitment, his outstanding service to the club & community and for just being Paschal, the legend who loved his family, his people, his club and his community. Farewell, old friend, you were and remain immensely loved by all who met you – until we meet again.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Kindly note that the club will be doing a Guard of Honour on Sunday morning after 10am funeral mass. Club Gear please to be worn if possible.
https://rip.ie/death-notice/paschal-harvey-tipperary-newport-641637
