Warm tributes as Mayo bids farewell to true community man

Patsy Guilfoyle, Cloonfaughna, Knock, Mayo, who died recently, was a kind, good natured and contented gentleman who always had time to share with friends.

One always felt better after talking to Patsy. He was from the ‘old school’ with the big smile and warm hand shake that told you right away you were in the company of a friend.

He was generous with his time and was a great neighbour who was always there to lend helping hand end encouragement.

He loved Cloonfaughna and its people and he was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour.

Musical talent was also in good supply and Patsy even recorded an album of songs and recitations in former times to help raise much needed funds for the South Mayo Branch of MS Ireland. The album was entitled ‘I’m a Mayo Man’.

Patsy was a member of the South Mayo Branch and it was another example of his kind nature that he undertook such a venture to support the Branch for the provision of local services and support to people living with MS in the area.

Among the most popular tracks on the album was his rendition of the famous recitation, The Train That Goes to Morrow, with which he regaled many audiences down through the years.

He held a wonderful night at the family home around the launch of the album when music and song rang out around the yard and where refreshments, whiskey and beer and whatever your choice of drink was in abundance for all to enjoy. It was a night when the true spirit of the Gael was to the fore and where we all stayed late into the night.

Farming was his way of life and he had a fondness for the great outdoors and a fine knowledge of matters relating to the land.

Time spent with farming friends was close to his heart and he was the best of good company, always willing to talk about anything ranging from farming to current affairs and the normal everyday events that keep the world ticking over and bring solace to the hearts of many.

Patsy was one noble gentle man and will be remembered with much affection by all who met along life’s highways and byways.

Reposing was in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, with removal to Knock Parish Church and was followed by interment in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Mike Murphy, Roundfort, a nephew of Patsy’s wife, Helen.

Patsy, who was predeceased by his brother John (Newport) and his sisters Teresa Caulfield (Aghamore) and Sheila McCarthy (Birmingham) and infant twins, Seamus and Pauline,  will be greatly missed by his wife Helen, daughters Yvonne (Ardee), Colette (Gort), Fiona (Claremorris) and Denise (Rooskey), son JT (Nenagh, grandchildren Kate, Joseph, Adam, Jayden, Fionn and Rían, sister Delia Murphy (Galway) and brother-in-law Frank, sister-in-law Mary-Jo (Newport), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, carers and a wide circle of friends.