Taoiseach leads tributes to late Joe Kneafsey

Taoiseach leads tributes to late Joe Kneafsey


Anton McNulty
antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has led the messages of condolences following the death of Swinford native Joseph Kneafsey who was also the former Mayor of Calderdale in Yorkshire,
A native of Killaser in Swinford, Mr Kneafsey died suddenly last week at the age of 74 at his home at Pellon, Halifax in West Yorkshire. A prominent member of the the Irish community in Yorkshire, he was instrumental in the twinning process between Mayo and his adopted home of Calderdale near Halifax.
In extending his condolences to his wife Bernadette, sons Michael and Kevin and daughter, Mary, Mr Kenny said Mr Kneafsey was a wonderful Irishman who epitomised the Irish abroad ‘at their very best’.
“I was saddened to hear recently of the death of Joe Kneafsey. Joe was very active in the local community in Calderdale as well as in the UK Irish national circle. As well as being a local councillor for many years he was Mayor of Halifax in 1989 and was especially proud to have the opportunity during that time to twin Calderdale with his native Mayo.
“Joe really epitomised the Irish abroad at their very best, involving himself in so many aspects of his adopted home in Calderdale, West Yorkshire but , at the same time, always keeping Ireland and Swinford close to his heart,” he said.
Mr Kneafsney joined family in Halifax when aged 19 and became a bus conductor and eventually chief inspector for Yorkshire Rider. He was first elected a Labour councillor in 1979 and was also a former President of the Halifax Irish Centre.
Mr Kneafsey had been struggling with a chest problem but died suddenly at his home at Pellon on Friday.
“He had a good life which he lived to the full,” said his son Michael. “He was very generous and kind-hearted and could share an opinion on a variety of subjects. He was very proud of his Irish roots and of Calderdale.”
His funeral took place at St Columba’s Church, Pellon, Halifax on Monday (yesterday) after Requiem Mass.

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