Ronan was the heart and soul of Shrule

THE TRIBE Ronan Gibbons pictured in Shrule with his mother Bernadette and brother David on the day of the All-Ireland Final between Galway and Kerry in July. With Mayo out, Ronan’s allegiances, along with many of his neighbours, switched to Galway, just over the river in Shrule. Bernadette’s father Dermot won an All-Ireland with Galway in 1934. Pic: Conor McKeown

Tribute
Willie McHugh

There was never a dull moment. From the alpha to the omega of his life Ronan Gibbons extracted the last ounce of living from it. His charisma and friendly nature made him a firm favourite with all. His boundless energy and zest for life was almost contagious.
News of his untimely and sudden passing at his home on Christmas Day morning triggered a mix of shock and sadness. Ronan was a loving husband and best friend to his wife Lorraine, doting dad to his two young children Kelley and Michael. His world revolved around them. He was son of Bernadette, a treasured brother to his ten siblings and a much-loved uncle and nephew.
He was the third generation running the Gibbons family pub in Shrule. His grandfather Tom commenced trading there in 1925. Ronan’s father Jackie was custodian from 1965 until his passing in 2000 and then Ronan took over the business putting his unique stamp on it.
Gibbons’ pub is an iconic landmark on the borderlines of Galway and Mayo. Situated on the Mayo bank of the Black River it’s the first eye-catching as you journey into Mayo. You cannot miss it.
In this famed establishment Ronan had all the attributes needed for the task. He could converse right across the generation spread. Regulars and strangers alike were made feel at home in Gibbons’. His beaming smile and the unique welcome he afforded all patrons made him a genial host.
And the storytelling too. It’s one of the main perquisites of any good innkeeper and Ronan Gibbons was an excellent raconteur.  He had a limitless supply of brilliant yarns regaled as only he could. The raising of the eyebrows as he walked away after delivering the punch line. There was an actor in his make-up too and he the most convincing mimic imbued with an amazing memory recall.
There was ever a child within with a devilish humourous streak. He loved all his nieces and nephews and prided himself on being a youthful and ‘with it’ uncle. He was their modern-day Pied Piper. Most of them earned a few quid working in the bar with him. In return they adored him. Ronan was non-judgemental. He understood and allowed for all human failings. He’d been there and done that too.

Football rivalry
Gibbons’ has ever been at the coalface of an age-old rivalry between two great footballing counties. It always accorded respectful observance to the keenness and passion it generates. It’s conducted there in a sporting manner and has no truck with nonsensical begrudging. When Mayo are beaten Galway then become the next-door neighbours the shout echoes for. It also pays homage to another era. Their grandfather Dermot Mitchell from Corofin won an All-Ireland medal with Galway in 1934.
Little wonder then when The Mayo News did its first live podcast in 2015, Gibbons’ in Shrule became the venue of choice. It was only a few weeks before Mayo and Galway were due to meet in the Connacht Football Championship.
Genuine football aficionados from either side gathered to discuss past happenings and captured perfectly what the occasion is really about. As always Ronan pushed the boat out on that fun-filled night ensuring all present were treated generously with ample food and refreshments.
He threw his lot in with every venture. Whenever he was approached for sponsorship by any organisation, particularly by Shrule/Glencorrib GAA Club, his only question was, ‘how much do you want?’ There were never any terms or conditions applied.  He was ever generous to a fault and lent his support to all.
When The Bridge Newsletter, an exercise in harmless fun, published in the region back in the day, Ronan was among its main cheerleaders. He even got the moniker ‘Ronan by the River’. He was regularly quoted for things he said and what he didn’t say betimes too. He was a source of news on varying topics. Most of it accurate but not all of it fit for publication when Ronan added his own tuppence worth. Otherwise the lads with the wigs and quills might have taken a costly interest in the pamphlet.

Huge funeral
His funeral was the biggest ever witnessed in Shrule. For two days a multitude lined the corridor into Mayo to pay their respects. The large presence was an acknowledgement of the esteem Ronan and his family are held in.
On the morning his remains were brought up the aisle of Shrule Church to a poignant rendition of Springsteen’s ‘If I Should Fall Behind’ every pew was fully occupied. It was standing room only. His brother Tom gave explanatory commentary as symbols representing Ronan’s life were carried to the altar. A photograph of a family holiday with Lorraine, Kelley and Michael, a bound copy of the Irish Independent dated April 16, 1971, a gift from Lorraine on the occasion of Ronan’s 40th birthday, a nomination for Mayo pub of the year he received recently and Mayo and Chelsea jerseys.
He was a loyal Mayo supporter and he also had a fondness for the London club. He once was a contestant on RTÉ’s ‘Know Your Sport’ and his specialised subject was Chelsea Football Club. He gave a good account of himself too but devil a bother to Ronan. Nothing fazed him.
Finally, but most importantly, they brought up the Shrule/Glencorrib jersey with the Gibbons sponsorship name on the back. His flaithiúlacht nature kicked in when club officers came calling in search of a few bob. They never had to ask twice either.
At the end of Mass Ronan’s sister Tish delivered a heartfelt glowing eulogy capturing perfectly the very essence of Ronan. It was sincere, earnest and peppered with a grand smidgen of wit about a brother she described as a loveable rogue. He was that for sure. They brought his remains to his final resting place with his coffin draped in the Shrule/Glencorrib flag. Ronan would have loved that.
It’s Lorraine, Kelley, Michael and the extended Gibbons and Byrne families who will feel his loss the greatest.  He’ll be missed around Shrule too. Ronan Gibbons was a committed community person. Shrule was his hometown. He gave it his all always. His ilk won’t pass this way again. He’ll be fondly remembered for the fun, the laughter and all the lovely things he did.
That will be his lasting legacy.