RIP: 'Devoted to the Mayo Gaels GAA Club' - community mourns passing of a noble son

WILLIE Fitzgerald from  Cullentragh, Mayo Abbey, who died recently, was a noble son of the parish who commanded huge respect around the region. There was something very special about Willie and you knew it the moment you were in his company.

Mayo Abbey is a parish close to my heart. I have so many relations on both sides of the family in this region that has given its name to our county. There is a palpable feeling of serenity and stillness in the village and fields.

History shows that St Colman founded an Abbey here in 670 for Saxon monks and that the area was a premier centre of learning in Western Europe in the 7th century. It had huge ecclesiastical connections with the island of Iona off the Scottish coast and the small island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland in England.

Willie (94) embodied the spirit of the ages and the peace and tranquillity he exuded touched the hearts of so many people. He was devoted to the Mayo Gaels Club to which he gave many years of loyal and outstanding service.

READ NEXT: Tributes paid to Mayo farmer in wake of recent passing

He truly was one of the finest ambassadors for the Mayo Gaels, a club he loved with such a passion down through the decades. I always associate him with another Mayo Abbey legend, Tommie Duggan, who died in 2021.

I don't think I ever covered a match in Mayo Abbey that I did not receive the warmest of handshakes from those two men when they were on the gate. They were the heart and soul of the club and were the finest ambassadors any club could wish to have at the top table.

Willie loved Mayo Abbey and its people and was always so happy to welcome people from all over the region to visit his beloved parish. Willie and Nancy (his wife of 66 years) were such a fine couple and were familiar to so many card players at the 25 card games around the district as well as at Céilís and other social occasions all down the years.

So many generous and heartfelt tributes have been paid to Willie since his passing. Among them was one from Seán and Evelyn McNamara: “Willie now joins a long list of neighbours and friends who enjoyed his friendship and assistance throughout his earlier life. He was the village barber, tradesman, builder, and entertainer with the great songs including his own. He was a lifetime family friend and leaves a lot of great and happy memories.”

Cicero, the Roman philosopher of olden times, rendered an enduring truth: “Nothing is so popular as kindness.” Willie Fitzgerald embodied the spirit of that reflection on his long and cherished journey along the trails of life.

Reposing was in Balla Funeral Home where his beloved Mayo Gaels flag was draped on the coffin with removal to Mayo Abbey Church. Members of Mayo Gaels Club, together with neighbours and friends, formed a large guard of honour in a poignant tribute to a man who loved his home parish so well. 

Following Requiem Mas the next day celebrated by Fr Austin Fergus, who also delivered a lovely homily, interment took place in the local cemetery. 

Willie, who was predeceased by his parents Tom and Bridget, his brothers Eddie and Tommie and son-in-law Tom Joyce, is survived by his wife Nancy of 66 years and their family, Mary (Langenfeld, Germany), Anne Byrne (Mayo Abbey), Tomás (Ohio, USA), Geraldine Joyce (Facefield) and Lorraine (Mayo Abbey), son-in-law Michael Byrne, daughter-in-law Blair, Lorraine’s partner Michael Quirke, grandchildren Liam, Éanna, Meadhbh, Tommy, Cillian, Kathy, Rylee, Fearghal, Emma, Donncha and Seán and their partners, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.