All-Ireland medal Joe Staunton winner dies

Joe Staunton’s coffin is carried by family members to Murrisk graveyard.?Pic: Conor McKeown

Joe Staunton All-Ireland medal winner dies


Sean Rice

THE death has taken place at his home in Kilsallagh, Westport, of Mr Joe Staunton, a member of the last Mayo team to win an All-Ireland senior football title.
He was aged 87 years and had coped bravely with illness for the past several years.
A native of Lecanvey, Joe Staunton was proprietor of the Pharmacy in Louisburgh until his retirement some years ago. His son, John, now runs the business.
He had widespread sporting and business connections and news of his death was received with sadness by all who had the pleasure of coming in contact with him.
He served for many years as a director of Louisburgh Holidays PLC and was also involved with several local voluntary organisations, including his beloved GAA.
Joe played at right-half back on the All-Ireland winning Mayo senior team of 1951. Professional training was not in vogue in those days but, measured by the standards that existed, his preparation for that final was unique, to say the least.
Not long qualified, he was opening his new pharmacy in Carraroe, in the Galway Gaeltacht, the week before the All-Ireland final, a business venture that demanded his full attention. Unable to join his colleagues in Ballina and Castlebar, he kept in shape by running between Carraroe and Costello every day.
Aware of his impressive performances for Civil Service in Dublin while at college and for his home club, the Mayo selectors chose the Louisburgh man at wing back, and he repaid their faith in him with a rock-like performance.
Many of his old comrades had predeceased him. Only four of that 1951 side are still with us . .Paddy Prendergast, John McAndrew, Peter Quinn and Padraig Carney.
Joe won an All-Ireland junior medal with Mayo in 1950 and he was played at full-back on the Louisburgh county junior winning team of the same year, the final of which was played the following February.
The deep font of affection that exists among the sporting fraternity for Joe and other members of that great team was reflected in the huge attendances at the removal from Sweeney’s Funeral Home on Wednesday and at his funeral Mass in Lecanvey Church on Thursday.
Over the previous two days, large crowds called to the family home to sympathise with his wife and family.
Joe is survived by his wife Breege and family members Anne (O¹Donnell), Padraic, Mary (Lyons), Tom, Mairead, Joseph, Therese (Dawson) and John and by his extended family.
He was laid to rest in Murrisk Abbey Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Louisburgh Order of Malta, c/o Sweeney Funeral Directors, Louisburgh.

Elsewhere on mayonews.ie
A tribute to Mayo All-Ireland winner Joe Staunton