PADDY McCAUL has been at the heart-beat of Athlone's community for over thirty years.

A businessman of repute, Paddy's involvement with two of the best known businnesses on Athlone's Connaught-side - the Palace Bar on St. Peter's Square and the newly renovated Shamrock Lodge Hotel - have made him a renowned figure among Athlone's business community.

However, it's Paddy's input to the sporting world which capapulted him to both local and national renown over the past year or so.

Elected to the post of eircom League Chairman in February 2005, Paddy recently completed one year in this very high-profile and demanding job.

Prior to this, Paddy spent ten years at committee level with the club he describes as his first love - Athlone Town FC. Most of his time there was spent as Chairman, a difficult role considering Athlone Town's rocky existence over that same period of time.

"It was always challenging with Athlone Town but I loved it. I still love the club, always will. And I can see myself back there in the future," McCaul said passionately.

For now, though, he has the trials and tribulations of the eircom League to oversee.

"I'm lucky in the sense that I get great support from the people within the League," he says modestly.

"We do encounter numerous problems but we deal with them as amicably as possible. The main thing we're dealing with now is the merger between the FAI and the eircom League. I expect this to be fuly rubber-stamped in the next few months," he added.

Paddy says his onvolvement at eircom League management level was an "extension" of his involvement with Athlone Town.

He does not, however, have any plans to progress to FAI level. "There was talk of that happening before but I've no plans in that respect. I don't really have the time to be honest," he said.

Paddy has two major ambitions over the next year - to see the eircom League thrive and Athlone Town FC move into their new stadium in Lisswoolen.

The Shamrock Lodge Hotel recently received a major facelift - something Paddy is very proud of - and the Palace Bar continues to thrive as one of Athlone's most successful bars.

Now fifty, Paddy gew up in Iona Park, Athlone, and became involved in business over thirty years ago. His love affair with his home town came close to ending one day but he couldn't face life without it.

"I remember going to Dublin years ago and thinking that was it, I'm not going back. But I bought a three-day return ticket so draw your own conclusions on what my plans really were. I was always going to go back to Athlone, I love the place," Paddy said.

The Lodge now boasts a total of 70 bedrooms and 12 apartments and is a most impressive development on Athlone's west side. Some work is still ongoing at the hotel and it's anticipated the job will be fully completed by the Autumn.

"I'm very flattered to be nominated, I thought 'why me' when I heard of the nomination!

"I'm also deeply grateful to be nominated and proud of the recognition. It's always nice to be recognised in your home town," Paddy said.

Paddy is married to Eileen, originally a native of Drum, and has three sons and one daughter.

His eldest, Alan (24), is heavily involved in the business, the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, where he works as Duty Manager. Alan also recently became a board member of Athlone Town FC, following in his father's footsteps.

Shane (19) also works part-time in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel and the Palace Bar and is a student at University College Galway.

Padraig (15) and Aine (13) attend the Marist College, Athlone, and Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, respectively, and arre both keen sports enthusiasts.

Paddy thanked all his staff for their efforts and contributions to both businesses over the years and all those who continue to support his local businesses.

"As I said, I'm deeply flattered to be nominated for the Athlone People of the Year Awards. I think the awards are a marvellous way to honour local people and I look forward to the ocassion," Paddy said.

Paddy has been nominated for his input as Chairman of the eircom League and also his overall ongoing contribution to the town of Athlone. © Westmeath Independent

Paddy McCaul has a hard act to follow after his niece and nephew, Donna and Jospeh McCaul, won the Athlone People of the Year award last year.

"That's right, Donna and Joe did brilliant to win the award last year. It was a very special time for them and the whole family. We were all extremely proud of them and they certainly deserved the award - more so than I would anyway," Paddy modestly said.

Donna and Joseph were of course Ireland's entry in last year's Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine.

Paddy was a constant source of support to Donna and Joseph and both regularly thanked their uncle fos his contribution throughout their Eurovision experience.

A proud Paddy also attended last year's People of the Year awards ceremony when Donna and Joseph emerged winners.

"I was there alright and I have to say it was a fantastic occasion," Paddy said.

"It was not only a great occasion for Donna and Joseph but you got the impression every nominee was appreciated for whatever they had done throughout the year. It will be an honour and privilege to be involved as a nominee this year. The whole occasion was special last year and I think the People of the Year awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and honour our own," he added. © Westmeath Independent