RIP: 'Larger than life' Mayo town character sparks sadness upon death

He was one of the legendary characters of the area and lit up many gatherings with his wonderful sense of humour and good nature.

Joe and the family spent several years in Sydney before moving home to Irishtown and quickly settling into life in the region.

He had a great love for farming and livestock and travelled the country to marts and sales buying calves and sheep. He was among the best known regulars at the sheep sales in Maam Cross.

There was never any shortage of laughter and banter when Joe was around. If legendary Australian actor Paul Hogan needed a stand-in for ‘Crocodile Dundee’, Joe could have been that man!

So many warm tributes have been paid to Joe since his passing with many capturing the quintessential nature of this noble gentleman. Mary Ryan, Irishtown and Galway, said she was saddened to hear of the untimely and sudden passing of Joe.

“He was a tonic and always gave one a laugh with his eyes full of devilment. Absolutely scan. Many chats we had and happy memories spent in his company. He will be greatly missed both in his beloved Burrish and in the locality.

Pat and Pauline Ronayne commented: “Joe will be very fondly talked about for a long time to come! He just had whatever it takes to be that larger than life character. He was a mighty man to tell a story and full of laughs. Everything was 'perfect'. We will really miss his visits to Clonberne.”

Paul Coyne, Ballinrobe Mart, said Joe was a ray of light. “Joe never saw anything as a problem. Things were always ‘perfect’. What a wonderful attitude.”

Anne Cosgrove said Joe was the life and soul anywhere he went. “There was always a bit of craic and banter with Joe. Many a good chat and laugh we had with him and he will be dearly missed.”

Tom Trench reflected: “I can only smile when I think of Joe because he always made me smile when I met him.”

Ger and Geraldine Conroy said Joe was “a wonderful character with a roguish smile and always game for a laugh!”

Reposing was at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, with removal to Irishtown Church. Interment took place in the local cemetery following the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Sean Flynn, PP. Large crowds were present on both days to bid a fond farewell to Joe.

Joe, who was predeceased by his wife Ann, will be sadly missed by his daughters Fidelma, Eithna and Denise, sons- -in-law Jimmy and David, his grandchildren Sophia, Ruby, Carmen and Davitt, his brother Michael, the extended family, neighbours and friends.