Great sadness in Kiltimagh and Mayo with passing of George Lee

PROFOUND sadness has been occasioned around the Kiltimagh region and in various parts of Mayo with the news of the passing of George Lee, Ballinamore, Kiltimagh. He died peacefully at the Galway Clinic at the weekend.

George (87) was a native of Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny, and retained a great fondness for Kilkenny during his many decades in Kiltimagh. The Kilkenny flag was flown proudly outside the family home on many August and September days down through the years. After moving to Mayo, he played hurling for a short time with Tooreen.

George was a member of the teaching staff at Swinford secondary school for many years. He was synonymous with music and was much in demand by musical societies and choral societies around the region.

Geraldine Flanagan from Ballinrobe remembers George with great regard and fondness. “I recall the great fun we had when George was our musical director in the old Town Hall in Ballinrobe with the Musical Society way back in those great days. He was a true professional and lovely gentleman who had a great sense of humour and love of everything musical! Thank you for the wonderful memories, George. Heavenly choirs will be welcoming you with open arms.”

George also served as organist and director with Kiltimagh Musical Choir for many years and up until recent months. He was a much loved and hugely respected member of the Kiltimagh community and there is a deep sense of lonesomeness and loss in the area with the news of the death of one of Kilkenny’s favourite sons in Mayo.

Reposing takes place in the family home in Ballinamore, Kiltimagh, from 5.30pm until 8pm this Tuesday evening. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in Kiltimagh Church on Wednesday at 12 noon with interment afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.

George, who was predeceased by his brother Michael and sister Phil, will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Mary (nee McNicholas), treasured daughters Martha, Deirdre, Vivienne and Barbara, his sister Teresa and his brother Tom, brother-in-law John, son-in-law Stephen, cherished grandchildren Darragh, Saoirse and Senan, partners Joe and Adrian, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces grand-nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.