A well known and respected Passage East fisherman lost his life yesterday (Thursday) while fishing for crab and lobster near Hook Head.
Mr Patrick ‘Paddy’ Mason (59), Parade Square, Passage East, married with an adult family, was working alone on his 30ft boat, ‘Harbour Pride’ when the tragedy occurred. It is suspected that he became entangled while hauling pots and was knocked overboard.
The alarm was raised when Mr Mason’s boat was washed up on rocks at Portally Cove on the Waterford side of the bay. His body was located at 1pm near Hook Head.
Locals in Passage East, and across the entire South East fishing community, were said to be in deep shock at the tragedy and many tributes were being paid to Mr. Mason who was highly regarded. Former County Council Chairman, Councillor John Carey, said he had known Mr Mason all his life and described him as ‘being part of all that was good about Passage East’.
Mr Mason is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters Louise, Sandra and Lynn; son Damien, grandchildren, relatives and friends. His remains will be removed from his daughter Louise’s residence ‘Quietways’, Passage East, tomorrow (Saturday) at 11.30am to Crooke Church where Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon following by interment at Crook Cemetery.
