RIP: Death of man in Mayo nursing home brings fond memories in Mayo and Roscommon

JOE Cornwall, Ballinlough, who died recently in the kind care if the staff at the Ave Maria Nursing Home in Tooreen, was a man who was held in fond regard by so many people who knew him over the years.

He was a cherished member of the local community and the embodiment of the wonderful relations between the Church of Ireland and Catholic communities in the Ballinlough region.

There was a decency about Joe that endeared him to so many along the borders of Roscommon and Mayo.

The warm tributes to him reflect his standing in the region. Sinéad Buckley said she had fond memories of meeting Joe over the years on her visits to Cloonlee. “He was always so friendly and loved to chat. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.”

The Swanwick Family, Cloonlee, Ballinlough, commented: “We hope that the wonderful memories you have of Joseph will bring you strength in the days ahead. Joe was a kind, loving and caring person, and always had a smile and a joke for everyone.”

David and Carol (Duggan) Bunn said: “Joe was an absolute gentleman and his craftsmanship was exceptional. He constantly went above and beyond and made such a difference to us when we were starting out in our new home.”

Pakey and Mary Anderson, Roscommon, also joined in the tributes. “We are saddened to hear that Joe has passed away. He was a good man, nice and friendly. He was a good worker and was known to many in Ballyhaunis, Tooreen and other places.”

Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club said Joe Cornwall was a gentleman in every respect and highly regarded by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Reposing was at McDonagh’s Funeral Home, Castlerea. The Funeral Service was held in Kiltullagh Parish Church, Ballinlough, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Joe, who was predeceased by his parents Richard and Jean, his sister Kathleen (Hardy, Donegal) and his brother Cecil, will be sadly missed by his brothers William (Ballinlough), Albert (Castlerea),Henry (Ballinlough), David (Irishtown) and George (Ballinlough), his sisters Josephine (Taylor), Betty (Taylor), Bernadette (Lawson) (Riverstown) and Helen (Gibson, Donegal), his aunt Ena (Coulter, Leitrim) brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

​