Larry McEllin was at the heart of Kiltimagh business and Mayo GAA

PROFOUND sadness and shock was occasioned around the Kiltimagh region and Mayo with the news of the death of Larry McEllin on Thursday. Larry (79) died in the kind care of the staff at the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar following a short illness.

Larry (pictured) was synonymous with the economic life of the Kiltimagh region since the 1970s and was a major figure in Mayo GAA circles going back to when he featured as goalkeeper on the Mayo team that lost to Kerry in the All Ireland minor final of 1962. A minute’s silence in honour of Larry was observed at the Connacht senior football final between Mayo and Galway in Pearse Stadium, Salthill, on Sunday.

Larry launched his Genfitt Company around five decades ago selling spare parts for the burgeoning agricultural machinery industry. The company has now joined forces with Kramp, a global leader in agricultural spare parts and accessories.

Over the years, and especially during the downturn in the 1980s, Larry ensured that Genfitt always gave good and solid employment and he had an abiding fondness for ‘keeping it local’. Many employees served with Genfitt with great loyalty over the years. The company became one of the major and enduring ventures in the economic life of Kiltimagh over the decades.

Larry married Mary McNicholas from Culmore, Swinford, and they raised a family of three, Laurence, Mark and Valerie, all of whom have played their own roles in the success of the Genfitt Company over the years.

Kiltimagh GAA Club, that organised a guard of honour outside O’Hora’s Funeral Home on Saturday evening, said Larry was synonymous with Kiltimagh and Mayo GAA, as a player, Club President, selector and sponsor. “Larry was a proud member of our Club, winning 3 county titles; 1967 Junior and intermediate in both 1978 and 1991. Larry represented Mayo, on the minor team of 1962 and again in the 1990’s playing on the All-Ireland winning masters team that won four All Ireland titles.”

Tooreen Hurling Club said that it was with great sadness they learned of the passing of Larry McEllin. “Larry was a great friend and generous sponsor of Tooreen Hurling Club over many years as the founder and owner of Genfitt and a proud Kiltimagh clubman. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this time.”

Beatrice Casey said Carnacon LGFA had lost one of their own. “Larry holds a special place in our hearts and will never be forgotten. He was a true friend to us all. We cherish the memories we shared together.”

Larry was steeped in the GAA tradition of Mayo and was fiercely loyal to the county in all grades. Genfitt was the main sponsor of the Mayo senior teams that reached the All Ireland finals in 1996 and 1997 and he was also very supportive of hurling in Mayo where he sponsored the annual Genfitt Cup tournament.

His love for his home area and county was nicely summarized in this tribute by Willie McHugh from south Mayo. “Larry was a proud and loyal son of Kiltimagh and Mayo. When Mayo GAA struggled to find a sponsor in 1995 and Corporate Mayo didn’t want to know, Larry McEllin and his Genfitt company stepped in and filled the void.

“It was Larry doing what he always did because Mayo mattered to him. The Genfitt jersey became our coat of arms and we affectionately called it “Larry’s Shirt.”

“We had some memorable days when we proudly donned ‘Larry’s Shirt’ as we followed our team the length and breadth of the country in pursuit of Mayo’s lifelong dream.

“They were the best of good times and he played no small part on that great journey. We marched with an extra spring in our step because of Larry McEllin. He will be remembered with fondness always for his generous nature and all the good things he did for his native place. He has left great and lasting impressions.”

Joe Monaghan from Milltown, reflecting on the good side of the football rivalry between Mayo and Galway, said: “I remember his kindness to me years ago, his unassuming way and the friendly banter when Mayo and Galway met in the championship.”

Reposing was at O’Hora’s Funeral Home on Saturday. The funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, on Sunday and was followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.

Larry, who was predeceased by his parents Michael and Delia (née Sheridan) and his brothers John and Frank, will be sadly missed by his wife Mary and their family, Laurence, Mark and Valerie, granddaughters Madeleine, Ailish and Aoibhín, son-in-law Eoin, daughters-in-law Hazel and Katy, sister-in-law Kathleen, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and his dear neighbours and friends.