Sean Padden in photo montage created by his grandson Stephen, a graphics artist with Connaught Print and Signs, Ballina
Sean Padden Memorial Tribute, Friday 17th October 2015
Opening address:
"Family, friends and members of the boxing community of Ballina gathered here today at the Dick Hearns Sports and Fitness Centre, Ballina, on Friday 17th October 2015 to pay tribute to the late Mr. Sean Padden. In between sparring contests by today’s young hopefuls, there will be individual tributes paid by family and close friends of Sean."
George Armstrong, who had earlier that day received the sad news of the passing of his brother Tony in England, took the mic and stated that Sean made a huge contribution to boxing in Ballina, that he did it for the love of the sport and with the advancement of young boxers always in mind. It was men like Sean, a founding member of the Ardnaree Boxing Club in 1949, that helped George win his national title in 1956, following on from Noel Coggins, also present on the night, who brought Ardnaree’s first national title to the club in 1955. Mr. Jimmy Ralph spoke of Sean’s football career at local and county level, and of his prowess at reading the men around him on the field which he combined with his skill to ensure he always wore his jersey with pride. Jimmy stated Sean was tough to play against and a joy to watch in the green and red of Mayo. Liz Murphy of Ballina Athletic Club was quick to acknowledge the contribution to athletics made by Sean: people like him with a proven track record living locally make the job of procuring a training and hosting athletics facility for a town a whole lot easier. Sean had many successes with Ballina Harriers in his youth, winning Mayo and Connaught titles, and his family could always be justly proud of him for his legacy to the sport in his native town. Sean’s former workmate, John Willie Morrison, spoke of the Sean he knew and how, through a chance few words exchanged at a boxing training session, Sean landed in a job with C.I.E., later working for Bus Éireann. “You could rely on Sean,” Willie stated, “ and that was the kind of man you needed, and still need, in the workplace.”