The Mayo News

The recent death of John Conaty, Knock Road, Claremorris was received with widespread sorrow and regret within the community. A man of the highest, integrity he commanded great respect from everyone lucky enough to have known him. A multi-talented individual, he shared his talents with many people that sought his help and assistance.
He was a native of Birr, Co Offaly, and went to live in the United States at the age of two when his family decided to emigrate. They returned again seven years later, at which stage John attended the local CBS.
He later attended the Vocational School in Birr, where his outstanding talents as a carpenter were honed. On finishing his education he joined the firm of Loughnane’s in Birr and rose to the rank of General Foreman. He was later to supervise some large jobs in the midlands and throughout the country.
He later went to work in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo with Gowna Wood. While he was based in Tubbercurry he met and married Louise McDermott in 1956. John later decided to train as a woodwork teacher, and trained in Wexford with the VEC.
He was assigned to Mayo VEC and taught for a time in Kilkelly as a Woodwork and Building Construction teacher. Part of his work included a rural-development aspect that saw him advise local farmers on farm buildings, water, sewerage and more. He held night-classes during his time in Kilkelly that many mature students benefited enormously from.
He taught for a time in Swinford and joined the staff of Claremorris Vocational School in 1970/71.
When Claremorris Vocational School closed down he was assigned to St Colman’s College, where he was highly rated as an outstanding teacher of woodwork and building construction. He kept himself up to date on the latest trends, which meant his students benefited enormously in a subject that was very important in the light of how the country evolved at the time.
Outside of work John had many hobbies; he was a fine golfer and was a member of Ballyhaunis and Claremorris Golf Clubs at various times.
During his early days in Birr he was a renowned amateur actor with Birr Little Theatre. He also made the sets for numerous productions staged by the theatre company.
The Playwright JI Fanning, who wrote ‘Beyond the Mill’, acknowledges John’s input in drawing up the Auditorium plan for the work when Birr Little Theatre staged it. This is the story of Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes told for presentation in a theatre.
John was an inveterate reader and loved to do the crosswords in the Irish Independent in particular. He was a keen winemaker, and often deputed members of his young family to pick the juicy elderberries on hedgerows that he favoured for his hobby.
Perhaps his favourite hobby of all was gardening; here he was totally at home with nature and his thoughts. His beautiful garden on the Knock Road bears ample testimony to his skills in this area. He loved to experiment with the various fruits and vegetables, and helped anyone that wished to avail of his expertise in this area.
Other hobbies included ballroom dancing, snooker, and playing the clarinet. He cycled extensively when he was a young man, and one of his companions was former GAA president, the late John Dowling of Tullamore.
When John retired from teaching he gave of his time unstintingly to Claremorris Credit Union. He served here for many years, serving the local community. He drew up the plans for the Credit Union Headquarters in the Square in Claremorris, which gives a true indication of his skills as a draughtsman.
John will be remembered for all the right reasons; he was devoted to his faith, was highly principled, was honest to a fault and was truly devoted to his loving wife and family.
He was an outstanding family man, a great neighbour and true friend to so many people who were acquainted with him. He will be sadly missed by all, but particularly by his family who will miss him most of all.
Fr Peter Gannon truly captured his great life of devotion to his God and his family in a beautiful homily at his funeral Mass in St Colman’s Parish Church.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Louise; sons and daughter; son-in-law and daughters-in-law; nephews and nieces; many relatives and friends. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh sé. –AG

---

Share this page