Shock and heartbreak after sudden passing of young Irish man as tributes flood in
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24 Jun 2025
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24 Jun 2025
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Joe Laffan, Mountmellick is asking for support for his partner's grandson, Irish volleyball player Patrick Cawley.
A young Laois man who plays volleyball for Ireland in the Under 22 and Senior teams, is the subject of a local pub fundraiser.
Patrick Cawley from Mountmellick has signed a nine month contract to play with VK Corrib Ivanka Pri Dunalji in Slovakia.
He is heading off this June for the 2025/2026 season.
Patrick, aged 20, a past pupil of Portlaoise College, has a full time training schedule. Only a small part of his costs will be covered by Volleyball Ireland, so the community is being asked to get behind a fundraiser for him.
Patrick Cawley (left) with his team member and his coach after he was contracted to play with the Irish U20 volleyball team in May.
It is being organised by well known Mountmellick singer Joe Laffan, whose partner Eileen is Patrick's grandmother.
Joe will hold a live music fundraiser on Saturday night, June 7 in Tom & Vrons pub, Mountmellick, where he will be singing crowd favourites and accepting donations for Patrick.
Joe visited the Leinster Express / Laois Live offices to talk about his fundraiser for the rising star.
"We are so proud of Patrick. He needs all the help he can get. He's won a few awards already. He trains full time in Dublin and he's so focused on this, he is taking it very seriously. We are hoping for good things for him.
Patrick (in number 20) with his teammates.
Patrick spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"I’ve been working towards playing at a high level of volleyball really hard for the last 3 years and it’s very rewarding to see that the work is starting to pay off, I hope I can bring the skills I learn back to Ireland and help the level grow here while growing as a player myself for the Slovakian team.
Volleyball Ireland congratulated him.
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"The Squad are ecstatic to hear and let you know of this fantastic development. Everyone would like to express their support for all our players doing their part representing Ireland abroad and we wish all of them the best of luck for their well deserved debut and introduction into both the Slovakian and Italian volleyball leagues."
The fundraiser starts at 10pm on Saturday night, June 7 in Tom & Vrons pub on Moore Street, Mountmellick. All donations are appreciated.
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