Jim Costello

The death has taken place of Jim Costello, who at 95 years of age was the most senior resident of Cushin, Westport. He lived most of his long life in Cushin, before moving to Cuan Chatriona Nursing Home where he died on the 17th of April.
He was predeceased by his wife May (nee McGuire) and leaves his daughter Mary, son-in-law Michael O’Malley, grandchildren Michelle, Grace (O’Connor), Ronan and Darragh, .grandson-in-law Dermot O’Connor, and great grandson Ollie.
His funeral took place from the nursing home to St Patrick’s Church, Aughagower where Ronan O’Malley read the eulogy to his grandfather:
Granda was in his 96th year after being born on January 7, 1921. He was raised in Ballybourke by his parents Tom and Julia, and was the youngest of seven siblings, with some of his brothers and sisters emigrating to the UK and the USA.
His love of music was apparent, being able to play any instrument he picked up. He travelled the width and breadth of the county playing in the various dance halls, with the majority of his travelling done on his bike.
He worked in the shoe factory in Westport for over 40 years, where he met his late wife May (Nan) and they married on June 29, 1954. He then worked in Allergan until his retirement.
Granda and Nana had one daughter, Mary, who along with her husband Michael lived with them and availed of their love and support while raising their four children Michelle, Grace, Ronan and Darragh.
Granda played a significant role in our lives, keeping us grounded with long days in the bog and showing us his gardening skills. You would also see him at the school gates taking Michelle or Grace home on the back of his bike.
He was a creature of habit, finding him in the same seat whether it be in the Church, McGing’s or beside the fire at home. He was a quiet man who chose his words carefully, catching us out at some point with his quick wit.
Granda spent the last two years in Cuan Chatriona Nursing Home where he was cared for by the wonderful staff there and this was particularly evident over the past week.
I know Granda was comforted by one of the simple emotions which some human beings are lucky enough to experience. Because of his faith he knew that when he died he would be reunited with Nan.
We’ve cherished all the time we spent with Granda and he will be missed greatly by family and friends.
Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr Jackie Conroy, PP, and Fr Micheal MacGréil. The congregation of family, neighbours and friends also included a number of Jim’s colleagues from his working days. Among the gifts offered were a rosary beads and a keyboard in memory of his musical talents.
Finally, on a beautiful April morning, the cortège moved up the hill above the village to Jim’s last resting place with May in Aughagower Cemetery.