The Central Football region has lost one of its favourite footballing sons with the passing of former New Zealand international Patrick (Paddy) Breslin.

The sharp-shooting centre forward began his career in Wellington with the Marist Brothers Old Boys club but moved to Palmerston North in 1964 to join Kiwi United AFC.

He then earned selection for the Manawatu representative team and carved out a reputation as one of the most feared marksmen in the country, scoring a remarkable 54 goals in just 32 games over a five-year period.

Those exploits led to higher honours as he was selected for a North Island vs South Island clash in 1967, his performance in that game helping to then earn a place in the New Zealand team to travel abroad for a tournament in New Caledonia.

He was again chosen to represent his country in 1968 for home games against Cardiff City and New Caledonia.

In total, he played four matches for New Zealand and found the net twice.

He remained in contention for a place in the national team throughout the qualifying campaign for the 1970 FIFA World Cup and continued to achieve distinction playing for Central League selections against visiting touring sides. 

Paddy starred for Central against Cardiff City in 1968, the FA of England in 1969, Jardines (Hong Kong) in 1970 and the FA of Wales in 1971. Most memorably, the Cardiff match brought a 3-2 win while Jardines were overcome 4-1. The England line-up was also pushed hard in a 3-2 defeat but Wales triumphed 3-0. 
 

Paddy Breslin, far left on the front row, with the New Zealand team in 1967

At Central League level, Paddy played mostly for Kiwi United – aside from a brief stint with Palmerston City – and posted an impressive record of 99 goals in 141 appearances over nine seasons.

He then became involved in coaching at a lower level but returned to the Central League scene in 1978 as player/coach of Palmerston North End, scoring in the opening game of the season to become the first player to bring up a century of goals in Central League football.

His final tally following the 1978 season was 106 goals from 159 appearances.

One of his children, Michael Breslin, debuted in the Central League with Palmerston North Boys High School the following year and later played for Manawatu United before coming into further sporting prominence in the lower North Island as a horse trainer.

Paddy passed away after a battle with illness at Te Omanga Hospice on 19 July and was the loved partner of Marilyn Porter. He was father to Michael and Tineke, Toni and Jamie, Kerry and Kerensa, Jason and Karen, and Joanne and Simon. He was also grandfather of Sam and Grace, Amanda, Jacob, Leevi and Taylah, and Cameron and Joel, as well as great-grandfather to Tryton and Leo. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Te Omanga Hospice would be appreciated and may be made online at www.teomanga.org.nz  

Messages to Paddy’s family may be left in his tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or posted to PO Box 44-176, Lower Hutt 5040. 

A funeral service for Paddy will be held at St Martin de Porres, 6 Park Ave Avalon, Lower Hutt on Thursday 23 July at 11.00am followed by private cremation.

Article added: Tuesday 21 July 2020