Mount Jubilee, Bangor Erris
He was born on April 3, 1922, in Castlefinn, Co Donegal. After leaving school he joined the Army and was stationed in Athlone for seven years (1939-1946). A few years later he arrived in Mayo, and was employed as a roller driver for Mayo County Council, travelling many parts of the county.
In 1954 Sam married Kathleen Howard and settled in Mount Jubilee where he was to spend the rest of his life. He continued to work as a driver for the council until his retirement and he was always respected as a competent driver and courteous to all road users when the highways were not quite as good as they are today. Sam became a popular member of the Mount Jubilee community, always generous with his time and his expertise at many chores.
His dedication to his family was priority and his kind gentle manner endeared him to all who came to know him at work and when socialising. Sam enjoyed a few drinks, a game of cards, or just good conversation with his neighbours and friends. He was an exemplary gentleman to all. He had a deep faith and devotion to his church and served his area as collector and was one of the original Eucharist Ministers at Geesala Church, a ministry he served with great sincerity.
Sam was one of nature’s gentlemen who will be sorely missed by his family, neighbours and many friends. His remains were removed to Geesala Church and following Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in Geesala cemetery. Predeceased by his wife Kathleen, Sam is sadly mourned by his sons, Martin, family home; Gerard, Geesala; daughters, Mary Gallagher, Crossmolina; Bernie Shevlin, Tallaghan Bawn; Josephine Geraghty, Tirrane; sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother and sister in Scotland, brother-in-law, Michael Howard, sisters-in-law, Annie Howard and Mary King, nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.
May the soil of his adopted county lie lightly on his noble soul.
