Paddy Power staff form guard of honour as co-founder David Power laid to rest

PADDY Power staff formed a guard of honour to say farewell to firm co-founder David Power on Thursday.

Employees at the Sundrive Road store in Dublin lined the road outside the shop as the bet chief’s coffin drove by after his funeral mass in Church of St Paul of the Cross, Mount Argus.

At the 1.30pm funeral mass, symbols of the businessman’s life were brought to the altar.

His grandchildren carried the family racing silks, his binoculars and his St Mary’s Rugby jersey up as tribute.

David passed away in the Beacon Hospital on Monday following a long illness at the age of 77.

He is sadly missed by his loving family including wife Sabena and children Willie, Paddy, Shani and Tessa, his grandchildren and his siblings.

He is also missed by his daughters-in-law Ruth and Jayne, son-in-law Craig, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

David set up Paddy Power in 1988 when he merged the family betting business with similar operations owned by John Corcoran and Stewart Kenny.

At the funeral mass his son Paddy said his father was “unflappable”, remembering his dad’s famous bets.

Paddy said: “There are many legendary stories of the huge bets he took. But only stories of the ones he won.

“Those stories must have been told by the punters who placed the bets.

“Because not only would Dad never have discussed the bets he took, one of the things he was most famous for was that it was impossible to know by his demeanour if he’d won or lost. He was unflappable.”

After the funeral mass, his coffin made its way past Paddy Power stores in Dublin followed by a black limousine as he was brought to his final resting place in Mount Jerome Cemetery.

The family thanked the sixth floor of the Beacon Hospital where the legendary horse owner was cared for.

The family also requested that any donations go to The Drogheda Memorial Fund.

The charity provides relief for current and former trainers and jockeys when in needed in circumstances arising from age, sickness, accident, or misfortune, and for their partners.

‘Fearless bookmaker’

Condolences poured in for the racing legend on his RIP.ie notice.

One mourner said: “David was an incredible warm, charming, witty and a decently honourable gentleman who will be greatly missed.

“Fond memories of the time we were stranded in Gran Canaria 1982. David as bookies leader served the cause well. Sincere sympathy to all the Power family.”

Another wrote: “Deep sympathy to you Sabena, Willie, Paddy, Shani, Tessa and all the Power family. May his soul rest in the peace of Christ.”

“David was an astute businessman and a fearless bookmaker.”

Another mourner added: “Sincere condolences to the Power family and all close friends of David; An absolute gentleman and racing legend in many ways, will be sorely missed in the Sport he loved.”