RIP: Prominent Mayo GAA club man remembered fondly after passing

THE death took place last week of Michael (Mike) Byrne, Cloonmore, Tuam, and formerly of Main Street, Ballyhaunis, Mayo.

Mike was a member of a prominent and highly respected family in Ballyhaunis and one that made a major contribution to the life of the town over the decades.

Mike and the Byrne family were synonymous with Gaelic football in the town and Ballyhaunis GAA Club was to the fore in leading tributes to Mike and extending condolences to the Byrne family.

A statement from the club read: “Ballyhaunis GAA is saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Mike Byrne of Tuam and formerly of Main Street.

"Mike was a member of a family with a long and proud association with Ballyhaunis GAA.

“Mike and his brothers John, Val and Fr Willie were key players for our club at under-age, junior, senior and intermediate level during the 1950s and 1960s, while his other brothers Tommie and Brendan were actively in the administration of the club.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Michael and his wife Máirín ran a popular grocery store on the Galway Road, Tuam, for many years and made many lifelong friends during those days

He was a real gentleman who had such a warm welcome for all and an enduring bond that held strong all down the years.

“Michael was a gentleman and we dealt in his Centra Store for many years. He was always so pleasant and accommodating,” said Paschal McKenna from St Enda’s Avenue, Tuam.

Alan and Mary Talty commented: “We have fond memories of heading down Church View to his supermarket and always getting a cheerful welcome. It was always a pleasure to meet Michael on his walks around the town.”

Reposing was at Grogan’s Funeral Home, Tuam, on Good Friday evening. The funeral service was in The Cathedral of The Assumption, Tuam, on Saturday afternoon and was followed by burial in Tuam Cemetery.

Michael, who was predeceased by his brothers Thomas, John, Brendan, Val, Fr William, and his sister Ann Cosgrove (Claremorris), and sisters-in-law Marie and Lita Reynolds, will be sadly missed by his wife Máirín (née Reynolds), sons Cathal and Feargal, grandchildren Connor, Lily, Laura and Louise, daughter-in-law Nhu, Cathal’s partner Emma, sister Maria, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.