MOURNED The late Laurence (Lol) Staunton.
‘Legend’ of Westport Quay Lol Staunton passes away
Neill O’Neill
THE last remaining member of an old and much-loved Westport family passed away earlier today. Laurence (Lol) Staunton departed this life not long after the heralding of the Angelus bells from St Mary’s Parish Church at noon.
The second youngest of seven brothers, sons of the late Eddie and Sarah Staunton, ‘Lol’ as everybody far and wide knew him, died at his home at McNeela Terrace at Westport Quay, just a few doors down from where he was born and reared.
Renowned as a character of humour, charm and indefatigable wit, Lol had been ill for less than one year, and his passing comes less than two years after that of his brother Eamon in April 2015 and of Seán in November 2014. Lol was 69 years of age. He is the fourth of the Staunton brothers living in Westport to die in the past ten years, with his younger brother Joe passing away in March 2007. Lol’s brother Tommy died in Sligo in 1997 while his other brothers Ger and Pat passed away in London in 1998 and 2000 respectively.
In most recent times and until his health prevented it, Lol operated his own taxi business, and his cab was the most sought after lift in Westport, where passengers were, in his own inimitable way, treated to tales of old and the latest news from around the community.
Lol had the most special way of telling a story, often of his own exploits over he years, and his stories were some of the best that will ever be heard around the streets of his native place. They will no doubt be told time and time again in the coming days, as the community will gather to say a final goodbye to a true son of Westport and a man who left his mark on so many lives in a positive way. The Stauntons are one of the oldest and most respected families at Westport Quay, and have an association going back to the old Bath Hotel, which used to be at the Point.
Loyalty
Speaking to The Mayo News, publican and fellow Westport-native Pat Dunning paid tribute to his ‘best friend’.
“We soldiered together through thick and thin. He was a great friend and very loyal. He always had a story, and knew how to tell it. He had a great fear of flying, but could do it when it mattered, he went to England when his brother died, and to the south of France for his son Colm’s wedding. Lol was extremely proud of his family and loved to visit his brothers, being particularly close to those who lived in Westport; Joe, Eamon and Seán. He always called to see Seán on a Sunday and continued to visit his family after Seán passed away, along with all the family graves each week.
“He will be greatly missed, this is truly the end of an era for a great family of brothers, whose name will always live in the folklore of Westport Quay.”
Lol’s cousin, godson, childhood neighbour and great friend, Padraig Burns, also recalled a remarkable man.
“Lol was an ever-present in all our lives, and in the lives of everybody at the Quay. He was just the best neighbour anybody ever had, he looked out for everybody. All who knew him knew that Lol was a great storyteller … he was the funniest guy I’ve ever met. He was also very loyal and would do anything for you. I have wonderful memories of Lol, he was one of a kind. I called in to see him last night (Tuesday), and I am so glad I did. Everybody talks about legends, but Lol Staunton was a legend long before anybody knew what a legend was.”
Lol is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Joanne; son, Colm; grandchildren, Robert, Ellie and Kate; son-in-law, Jimmy; daughter-in-law, Ciara; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; relatives; neighbours and many friends. Aside from his parents and six brothers, Lol was also predeceased by his infant son, baby Laurence.
He will repose at his residence on Thursday evening from 4pm until 6.30pm. His funeral will arrive at St Mary’s Church, Westport, at 11.45am on Friday for Mass at 12.30pm, with burial afterwards at Aughavale Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
