BIGGA mourns the death of former chairperson Paddy McCarron

BIGGA is saddened to announce the death of Life Member and former chairperson Patrick 'Paddy' McCarron, who passed away peacefully on 4 November 2026, aged 89. 

Paddy will be remembered for his support for fellow greenkeepers and belief in training and education. 

Born on 18 January 1937 and originally from The Cross, Clonmany, in County Donegal, Paddy made his home in Leicester and worked at The Leicestershire Golf Club. He became head greenkeeper in 1973 and helped shape many younger greenkeepers' careers. Among them was Dean Cleaver, who joined as an apprentice in 1974 and later became BIGGA chairperson himself. 

Dean first met Paddy as a young teenager, joining training sessions at a local Leicester football club where Paddy played alongside Dean's father. Holiday work at The Leicestershire convinced Dean to pursue greenkeeping, beginning a lifelong friendship.  

"If there was such a thing as having a dad in work, he'd have been my dad," said Dean. "He entrusted me with responsibility for specific projects over my time at the golf club and spoke about the importance of getting involved with BIGGA.  I remember when I left, I said to him, 'How do I repay you for everything that you've done for me?' He said to me, 'The only thing that I say to you, Dean, is that when you get yourself in a position where you can help people like yourself, then you do that,' and that stayed with me for my whole life." 

Paddy became BIGGA's third chairperson in 1989, following Walter Woods and Jack McMillan. His peers spoke of Paddy as a person who had a steadying influence during those formative years, willing to pause and consider decisions carefully as the young association developed. 

Paddy believed training and education were key to gaining greater recognition for greenkeepers and giving BIGGA a stronger voice within the world of golf. As education developed, he became a mentor to many young and aspiring greenkeepers in their own journeys. 

Paddy also recognised the need to support greenkeepers' mental health long before it became a prominent concern in the industry or broader society. Aware that some colleagues were struggling with workplace pressures, he enlisted Dean's help to visit them and offer support. He understood that looking after fellow greenkeepers meant considering their wellbeing as well as their professional development. 

Away from work, Paddy was known for his sense of humour. He had a beautiful singing voice and would sing favourite songs to his daughters and other children in the family as they drifted off to sleep. 

Paddy's wife Beverley predeceased him. He leaves daughters Carey and Maire, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. BIGGA extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all who knew him. 

His funeral service will take place at St Margaret Mary’s Church (also known as St Paul’s Polish Church), Wakerley Road, Leicester, LE5 4WH, on Monday 23 November at 11am, followed by the burial at Saffron Hill Cemetery at 12.30pm. A wake will be held afterwards at the Wigston Conservative Club, 38 Long Street, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2AH.