RIP Paudi boy Cancer-stricken 'gentleman' passes just months after his wife died from same disease

A man who died just five months after his wife passed away from the same illness just one day before her 41st birthday is to be laid to rest on Saturday morning. 

Padraig Clifford from Milltown in Co Kerry passed away on Tuesday after battling cancer.

His death came just five months after his wife Elaine also tragically died from the disease.

The couple were parents to four sons, with the youngest only starting school in September, according to the Kerryman.

His eldest son, Patrick, who ran a power-washing business with his dad described him as a "gentleman".

"Words just cannot explain the pain and heartbreak I feel this morning,” Patrick wrote in a touching Facebook post.

“It’s with a sad and broken heart that last night unfortunately we had to say goodbye to the most loving caring and a gentleman of a man my father.

"The skies have gained another angel and I’ve no doubt yourself and mother duck are dancing around heaven this morning yer reunited again with ur soul mate. I promise u I’ll look after our boys.

"So it’s not goodbye daddy it’s just farewell I love u loads dad you’ll be in our hearts forever and ever.

"Rest in peace Paudi boy. I’ll love u forever and ever dad. As you’d say urself 'Now so Mcarthy boy'."

His death notice on RIP.ie states that Padraig, of An Tuairín Lin, Milltown and formerly of the Store, Callinafercy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 25 at University Hospital Kerry.

“Predeceased by his beloved wife Elaine, his mother Ann & brother-in-law Mike (Burke),” it reads.

“Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his loving sons; Patrick, Jack, Andrew & Conor, father James, brother John, sisters Helen & Mary, father-in-law & mother-in-law Danny & Eileen Harrington, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours & many friends.”

Padraig’s funeral cortége will depart from his residence at 10.10am Saturday morning to the Sacred Heart Church Milltown for Requiem Mass at 11am when burial afterwards in Milltown Cemetery.

In the condolences section people have left messages including: “Sincere sympathy to the Clifford and Harrington families on your very sad loss. May Padraig rest in peace.”

Another adds: "My deepest sympathy to the Clifford and Harrington families on Padraig’s passing. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Another person has written: “Our deepest sympathy to you Seamus, Helen, John and Mary and your families and to Paudie 4 boys on the sad passing of your beloved father.

"Taken too soon but now he and your mother renighted in heaven and are looking down at you all. Had many happy times with Paudie at the hay here in Bobs in Callinfercy.”