Kiltarnet, Newport, Co. Mayo
The sudden death occurred of Vincent Leneghan on Monday, Mayo 30, 2016.
Vincent is survived by his wife Kathleen, his sons Vincent, Kevin, Alan, Derek and Stephen, daughters Patricia and Caroline, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.
The following is the tribute his granddaughter Kerry gave to Vincent.
Vincent was born on August 29, 1946 to Anthony and Mary Leneghan (nee Gruddy). He was the youngest of eight children. he was predeceased by his sister Mamie, brothers Neil, Thomas and Patrick and he is survived by his brother Mike and sisters Eileen and Teresa.
His mother died when he was just nine years old. he grew up on a small farm in Donna East, Ballycroy, where his family were one of the first in the area to become agricultural contractors. He often set out on his Massey Ferguson taking two loads of turf from Ballycroy to Castlebar on the same day. He worked for the local Seaweed factory in Newport for many years driving seaweed trucks for Myles Staunton. He knew every road along the western seaboard which we all know now as the Wild Atlantic Way.
As a young teenager he loved fashion. His appearance was very important to him. He always insisted that the women of the house have his shirts starched and sparkling white. He always had some class about him with his fancy cars and his dapper appearance.
He met his wife Kathleen at the age of 19 and they married when he was 24. They went on to have seven children. Then then went on to run Reek View B&B where they greeted many tourists over the years. Vincent loved being a tour guide or chauffer touring around the County, but for the grandchildren he was a character and they will have many treasured memories. We knew him for his chunky jewellery and he did remind us very much of BA Berocus (The A Team). With grandad there was always and expectation of what would he have next?. He was big but he thought big.
When he would be off touring around Mayo in his Mercedes Benz, usually the bright yellow one, he always would treat us to a stick of rock but not just one. He would have to stop at the cash and carry and buy a box load of them. I suppose it probably kept us quiet as he drove 5 miles per hour back to Newport, it might take hours to get home but we would always get there in time for the spuds. During the good weather we would head off to the bog. Nanny would be busy making us all sandwiches and grandad would place them safely in the car. We would all be flat out working hard and we might look up to where he parked the car and he would be sitting at the side of the bonnet eating the sandwiches and drinking bottles of country spring like a king, laughing away as he was getting off scott free.
He brought a Labrador, her name was Orla and I suppose as we all got older Orla took over. He would have her sitting up the front of the yellow Merc spinning around and God help us he would even make sure he had her seat belt on. He adored Orla his dog, but one thing for sure he adored each and everyone of us. He was so proud of us all.
Grandad rest in peace. We will never forget you, you will always live in our hearts and memories and I know you are looking down on us now so I am going to send you on your way. Lovely, lovely, lovely (his quote), proper job, sláinte.
Vincent reposed at his home on Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral Mass took place on Friday in St Patrick’s Church Newport. Vincent was laid to rest in Burrishoole Cemetery on Friday, June 3, 2016.
May he rest in peace.
