Neill O’Neill
A BRIGHT light was extinguished in the community of Newport last Wednesday, with the news that Seán Mulchrone from the Mulranny Road in the town had passed away.
Always smiling, and friendly with everyone, Seán was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and had spent the last three weeks in intensive care in Mayo General Hospital. Seán was confined to a wheelchair and required care every day - which he got in abundance from his mother Catriona, father Frank and three brothers David, Michael and Ronan, yet, despite the adversity placed before him in life, he always made light of his difficulties.
An avid supporter of the Burrishoole and Mayo GAA teams, Seán was also a big Manchester United fan. Born on February 11, 1980, he attended Newport National School and Rice College in Westport, where his sunny disposition and ready smile and wit struck a chord with everyone he met. His family recall Seán as the life and soul of every party and he had some great celebrations over his three decades with his family and friends, and Seán had a lot of friends.
Seán and his family encountered some difficult days over the years, but he never complained, and knew he was lucky to have such devoted parents. The medical staff looking after Seán over the last number of weeks, and indeed down through the years, cared for him with a compassion and kindness that has left his family deeply touched.
Seán departed this world on Wednesday last, and reposed in the family home until Saturday morning when his remains were removed to St Patrick’s Church in Newport. Neighbours and friends from the Mulranny Road formed a guard of honour for his removal from the house. His funeral Mass was celebrated by Canon Eamon Concannon who as former Parish Priest of Newport knew Seán all his life. Also on the altar were Canon John Cosgrove, PP Castlebar and Fr Billy Reilly, PP Spiddal. Readings and prayers of the faithful were done, and gifts were brought to the altar by Seán’s family and friends, while a choir from Newport sung at the Mass.
Afterwards, Seán was buried in Burrishoole Cemetery, where guards of honour from Burrishoole GAA Club, and South West Mayo Development Company flanked his coffin on his final journey. At the graveside final farewells were sung by Frank Chambers - ‘The Fields of Athenry’ - and the Molloy Brothers, who sang ‘Coastline of Mayo’.
Seán won a series of Gold and Bronze medals at the New York Games for the Physically Challenged in 1995, and was a recipient of a Rehab Mayo People of the Year award that same year.
He is survived and dearly missed by his mother Catriona, father Frank, brothers David, Michael and Ronan, sisters-in-law and a wide circle of family and friends. Peace to his brave and noble soul.