Patrick (Paddy) Whooley, who has died, was a member of a select band of 16 civil servants who negotiated the conditions of Ireland’s entry to the European Union in 1972/73. Subsequently, Paddy was a major player with several Ministers for Agriculture – beginning with Mark Clinton – in optimising Ireland’s relationships with the EU.

A native of west Cork, Paddy Whooley had a stellar academic career, but opted to join the civil service at an early age. He quickly distinguished himself in the Department of Agriculture, where he stayed until he was made Secretary General of the Department of Fisheries (later the Marine), from which he retired at the age of 62.

A man of the most compassionate nature, Paddy devoted himself to many charitable works. Not only was he central to the running of many charities, he was never known to refuse a request for a worthy cause. The huge attendance at his obsequies was testament to the esteem in which he was so widely held.

To Paddy’s family, the Irish Farmers Journal offers deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace. AM