Anton McNulty
THE sudden death of Achill hotelier, Chris Connaughton was met with sadness and shock all over the island with many tributes paid to the popular community man.
Chris Connaughton (88) who was the proprietor of the Achill Sound Hotel died suddenly on Saturday afternoon at his home in Polranny. He was described as a pioneer of tourism in the Achill Sound area when he developed the Achill Sound Hotel into a 40 room hotel, which is now run by his son, Peter.
A native of Roscommon, Chris came to Achill where he worked in Sweeney’s and eventually settled on the island after marrying Shiela Kilbane. He was involved in Achill Tourism, the GAA, the Tidy Towns committee and took an active part in politics in the area.
Local councillor Micheál McNamara paid tribute to Chris who he said had great foresight to develop the hotel in the late 1960’s which he said had brought work and employment for people in the Achill Sound and Polranny.
Chris was predeceased by his wife Shiela who was also involved in the family business and is survived by his sons Peter, Denis, Christopher and Thomas, daughter Nora, and his grandchildren. He will be reposing at his residence in Polranny from 7pm this evening (Tuesday) and full details of funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
