Dr Patrick John Hillery ( ; 2 May , 1923 -- April 12 , 2008 ) is an Irish Fianna FÃ il politician and the sixth President of Ireland from 1976 until 1990 . Patrick John `` Paddy '' Hillery ( 2 May 1923 â `` 12 April 2008 ) was an Irish Fianna FÃ il politician and the sixth President of Ireland from 1976 until 1990 .