Paddy O'Riordan
Paddy (Far Left)
Paddy was fiercely proud to be a Redneck and he had very high standards. He wanted the best from us all and he didn't mince his words as to how he got it done. For some, it was as if he didn't have much time for them at all.
He was though, extremely loyal and he cared for his gun sub without exception.
I went on a KAPE tour with Paddy for a month. He was laid back and relaxed and he had a wicked sense of humour. He always seemed to get the best from us, but we knew where the line was drawn.
I had the honour of meeting Paddy at a Regimental reunion in 1998. I was a little nervous talking to him at first because of my memories of him in the Battery, but as I got talking to him it became clear to me that he was very proud of us all, and always had been.
It's a shame we didn't see this side of him when we served, but that was Paddy.
I am pleased he was as he was when we were in.
He was a character who made characters and as a result of that we were the best.
A proud man and true Redneck.
Paddy O'Riordan
Once a Redneck, always a Redneck!
John Hirst
