One of the grand ‘old stock’ - Mayo GAA clubman dies

Milo Henry, Upper Main Street, Ballyhaunis, who died recently, was a central player in the commercial life of the Mayo town and district over many years and served as managing director of Hazelhill Timber Products.

He was truly one of the grand ‘old stock’ of the town and a man who retained great bonds of friendship among his many friends around Ballyhaunis and the wider hinterland.

Milo (91, pictured) had an easy going and jolly manner that endeared him to so many people. He was always willing to join in a good old sing-song and was always pleasant company at any social or sporting occasions in the region.

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Ballyhaunis GAA was among those leading the tributes to Milo and expressing condolences to the Henry family: “Milo Henry started work with Gallagher’s Hardware on June 10, 1947. Milo and several members of Gallagher’s staff played for Ballyhaunis Gaelic football teams over the years.

The names that immediately spring to mind are Eugene Dolan, John ‘Doc’ Healy, Willie Lyons (father of Tommy Lyons of Clare Street, himself captain of the Ballyhaunis team that won the Mayo Intermediate title in 1967), Jackie Higgins, and Charlie Phillips.

Unluckily, Jackie Higgins, who had moved from Gallagher’s staff to Ballina Gasworks, was on the Ballina side defeated by Ballyhaunis in the 1958 Mayo Senior Football Final.

“Milo’s sons also represented the club, and several of his grandchildren continue to don the red and black with distinction. Milo had a keen interest in all sports and will be fondly remembered as a former president, captain, and officer of the local golf club.

He was also a talented player with St Patrick’s Snooker and Billiard Club and an astute card player. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis,” said the statement from the GAA Club.

Milo also had a great affinity with Ballyhaunis Golf Club and it too played a central role in his life. The Golf Club was among the various local organisations joining in the tributes: “Milo served our club as Captain and President as well as being a long serving member of our management committee. He was also instrumental in the purchase of the land and the construction of our present clubhouse back in the mid 70s.

“Milo loved his golf and especially the four-ball format where, if a few pounds was lost, it could always be won back afterwards at the card table and many the Sunday evening the great banter from The Tank team could be heard all over Coolnaha. Milo has left a lasting legacy in our club and, even in his later years, his wisdom guided us.”

His neighbours, the Loughran family, were among the many expressing condolences to the Henry family: “We have many fond memories of Milo, Peggy and the family in Upper Main Street and the great laughs and the sing-songs! They were very good and kind neighbours.”

Vivian and Eileen Judge, Clooncrim, Ballinlough, added an extra dimension to Milo’s contribution to the community life of the region: “It was always a pleasure to meet him and chat. He was a good businessman and worked hard and was very successful.

There was also an altruistic side to Milo which made a big difference to many families at Christmas over the years.”
Milo, who was predeceased by his wife, Peggy, and his brothers Tom and John and his sisters Mary, Monica and Pauline, will be sadly missed by his family, Noel, Frank, Kevin, Jarlath, Alan and Karen, his grandchildren, Shane, Diarmuid, Anna, Katy, Jack, Heather, Kate, Caoimhe, Oisín, Eva, Conor, Roisín, Cara, Cian, Evan, Ruth, Isabelle and Charlotte, son-in-law Karl, daughters-in-law Anny, Gina, Anna, Marie and Niamh, his brothers-in-law Jed Chute and Alo Waldron, sisters-in-law Mary Henry and Frances Henry, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and many friends.

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