Michael Commins
THE news of the sudden death of Michael Carty came as a huge shock to the people of Knock and neighbouring areas last week. He was a former member of Mayo County Council and was a brother of the late John Carty who served as a TD for Mayo from 2002 to 2007 and who was a member of Seanad Éireann from 2007 to 2011.
Michael (67) was a popular publican in Knock and ran Carty’s Pub down through the years. Many were the wonderful nights enjoyed by so many people in Carty’s lounge, a place that was so much at the heart of the community. Michael had a fine singing voice and was known to join in sessions on many occasions over the years.
Michael (pictured) was a man of gentle disposition who went quietly about his daily chores. He was co-opted to Mayo County Council in the aftermath of John’s election to Dail Éireann in 2002 and was elected for Fianna Fail in the Claremorris Electoral Area for a further five year term in 2004.
The Carty family have made a big and noble contribution to the community life of the Knock region and further afield over the decades.
Numerous tributes have been paid to Michael in recent days by local people as well as many from around the country. Mayo TD, Dara Calleary, who was recently reappointed as Minister of State, led the political tributes to Michael.
Friend and colleague
“Like so many across the region I am deeply shocked at the sudden and untimely passing of former Councillor Michael Carty. I was very lucky-and honoured-to count Michael as a friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers at this awful time are with his wife Mary, his daughters Nicola and Lindsey, his sisters Anne and Joan, his grandchildren, the Carty family and his many friends.
“Michael was a proud son of Mayo, absolutely dedicated to his home of Knock and to east Mayo. He was a passionate advocate for the development of the region during his term on Mayo County Council and worked effectively and efficiently with officials and colleagues-including his late brother former TD John-to secure substantial investments in the area.
“Michael made a significant difference to hundreds of individuals by assisting many people in times of challenge. He never advertised this, just gave the help when it was needed quietly and in an empathetic manner. Many people across the region will miss this support especially.
“This is an incredibly difficult and traumatic time for the Carty family. All of us who were honouvred to have Michael as a friend will be there to support and sustain them,” said Dara Calleary.
Reposing took place at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Friday evening. Fr Richard Gibbons, PP, was the chief celebrant at the Funeral Mass in Knock Parish Church on Saturday and he was assisted by Fr Eamon Concannon and Fr Stephen Farragher.
Fr Richard delivered a warm tribute to Michael during his homily. Speaking on behalf of the family, Michael Jnr also spoke fondly of his father bringing many smiles to the congregation along the way. Interment took place afterwards in the local cemetery.
Michael, who was predeceased by his parents Eileen (nee Morley) and Jim and his brother John (who died in 2014), will be greatly missed by his wife Mary (nee Prendergast), daughters Nicola and Lindsay, son Michael, grandchildren Jack, Mark, Ben, Millie and Michael, sisters Anne and her partner Philip, Joan and her husband Ewan, sons-in-law John and Damien, daughter-in-law Samantha, sister-in-law Kathleen, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Huge shock in Knock at the death of Michael Carty
