Tributes paid to life-long Leeds United fan who died in airport on way home from Elland Road

Pat Kinsella, 66, was travelling back to his home in Arklow, Ireland after watching the Whites beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 on Saturday, March 7.

He boarded the flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Dublin Airport, a journey he had made many times before while following the club, but collapsed upon arrival.

Sadly, Pat had suffered a heart attack and died at the airport.

His close friend, Barry Monaghan, has now paid tribute to Pat.

Barry told The Yorkshire Evening Post: "The sudden death of Pat has come as a major shock to all who knew him.

"However, he passed away doing the one thing he truly loved – following his beloved Leeds United.

"Leeds United have a fantastic fan-base in the Republic of Ireland and the pilgrimage to Elland Road for each home match is one made religiously by plane fulls of fans.

"Pat was one of them - on the last count he heading for almost double figure home game attendance this season alone."

Barry first met Pat in the late 80s on a sixteen-seat Capital Airlines flight to Leeds - know back then as "Yorkshire's International Airline."

They both later became part of the Leeds United Supporters Club in Wexford, back when Leeds had been promoted back to the First Division during the 1991-92 season.

They travelled to many games together, supporting the club through its ups and downs.

Barry said: "Pat and I became frequent companions on the trips to our spiritual home, watching football from the sublime to the ridiculous, as only Leeds United can do.

"From the worst accommodation near Wembley for the 96 League Cup Final, to watching Champions League at Elland Road, to Division One football - we have seen it all together.

"Pat’s favourite player was John Giles and amongst his favourite Leeds United memorabilia is a photograph of the pair together.

"He recently purchased a stone at Centenary Square engraved with his name and his nephew's Padraig Kehoe.

"Unfortunately he never got to see it in place.

"Hopefully, Leeds United will do the business this season, by returning to the Premiership - a fitting tribute to the many avid LUFC supporters who are not here to see it.

"And to my good friend Pat, as we say over here,” Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”- may God rest his soul."

Gerry Sparrow, of the South of Ireland Leeds United Supporters, also paid tribute to Pat.

He said: "I met Pat outside Elland Road on Saturday for the first time in years, where we had a great catch up and chat.

"To be told by Barry on the journey home tonight from Dublin, that Pat had passed away suddenly in Dublin Airport this afternoon has rocked me to my core.

"He was an absolute gentleman, who was continuously in great form, and always saw the good in people.

"To his family, I offer our deepest condolences on the loss of a valued and loved member. MOT Pat."

Pat will be laid to rest this morning in his native town of Arklow.

He is survived by his beloved partner Anne and brother Eamonn