Claremorris stunned by death of Richie Conway

Claremorris stunned by death of Richie Conway


Michael Commins

ONE of the country’s best known bridge players, Richie Conway, has died following a brief illness. Richie (62) from Lisbawn, Claremorris and formerly of Taugheen, took ill suddenly on Thursday, hours before he was due to fly out to Lanzarote.
The alarm was raised when friends called to pick him up and take him to Knock Airport. He was rushed to hospital in Castlebar but died yesterday morning following the stroke.
News of his passing has sent shock waves throughout the bridge community where Richie was a leading light for many years. He was prominent at national level and represented his region and country at a number of events over the years.
He organised numerous trips for bridge clubs to Lanzarote and was one of the best known faces at the various Congress gatherings organised by bridge enthusiasts all over Ireland.
Richie retired from the Farm Development Service in Claremorris just two years ago. He served the farming community throughout the region for over 30 years. Prior to that, he worked for some years with the Department in Letterkenny and Abbeyleix.
An ardent GAA follower, he was very involved with his home club of Carramore in former times and was also a dedicated Mayo supporter.
Richie was out with friends in Claremorris town last week.
The sense of shock and sadness was palpable all over the region yesterday when news broke of his death. “We are all devastated with the news. Richie was synonymous with the game of bridge here in the province. He was the heart and soul of it. There is a huge sadness among the bridge fraternity around the country. We will miss him greatly,” said a friend from Claremorris Bridge Club yesterday evening. Funeral arrangements will be announced today (Tuesday).