Ballinrobe mourns ‘one of life’s true gentleman’ Billy O’Carroll

BALLINROBE is this week mourning the loss of much-loved local man Billy O’Carroll, who has passed away following an illness.

Billy was fondly regarded throughout the town, particularly among local musical and dramatic societies.

A native of Kilshanny, Co Clare, Billy was stage manager with Ballinrobe Musical Society for roughly 20 years, dedicating countless hours to constructing the set for their annual show.

Every year, his capable hands worked quietly in the background to ensure that every show ran smoothly and successfully.

In recent years, Billy was a regular at the society’s front of house, where he bestowed a warm and gracious welcome to audience members.

Michael Sweeney, a former Chairman of Ballinrobe Musical Society, described Billy as ‘a talented individual’ and ‘a very popular guy’.

“He put on some great sets there [in the old town half]. He did a few shows as well in the Community School,” Mr Sweeney told The Mayo News.

“We were awful lucky to have his ability and his talents available to the society for so long when they were badly needed. He was a great guy, a great talent.”

In more recent times, Billy served as stage manager for the Wilde River Drama Group, who expressed sorrow at his passing.

“Billy was one of life’s true gentlemen with a heart of gold and a wonderful laugh,” the group stated on social media.

“He made friends the length and breadth of the country as we travelled to different venues on our circuit journeys. We will miss him terribly and our hearts today are truly broken.” Billy worked in Cong Sawmills for many years, later taking up work with Ballinrobe Credit Union before his retirement.

Billy is survived by his wife Anne, son Niall, daughter Elaine, grandchildren Risteárd and Gearóid, sisters Mary-Carmel and Angela, brother JJ, Niall’s partner Anna, Elaine’s fiancé Andrew, brothers in-law Gerard, Declan, Gabriel, Colm and Mick (partner to Mary-Carmel), sisters-in-law Phyl, Maria and Biddy, nieces Noreen, Jean and Laura, nephews Noel, Patrick, David, Colm, Rory, Cathal and Stephen, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Billy will repose at St Joseph's Funeral Home, Ballinrobe F31 XV63 tomorrow, Friday, November 10, from 5pm to 7pm, with private removal to his home after. Mass of the Resurrection in St Mary's Church, Ballinrobe, F31 YA29 on Saturday, November 11, at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Ballinrobe.