Martin Connaughton

Martin Connaughton, Knock Road, Claremorris.  Everyone that knew him greeted the recent sudden death of Martin Connaughton, Knock Road, Claremorris with great sadness and sense of loss. The death of one of the area’s oldest, much loved and respected figures brought to a close a great life of achievement, devotion to family, work, sport and faith.

A man of fine physique and stature he enjoyed relative good health until his untimely and unexpected passing in the Dalton Community Nursing Home. His wife May predeceased him some years ago.

Martin was born in 1910 in Loughnamon, Claremorris and attended the local National School and afterwards served his time in Carney’s Drapery Shop Kiltimagh.

He often told the story of being sent by the owner of Carney’s to convey the victory of Gene Tunney over Jack Dempsey for the World Heavyweight Boxing title to Gene’s aunt who lived close by. Her indifference and lack of interest in the outcome amazed him but failed to dampen his youthful enthusiasm and great love for many sports in the ensuing years.

He was a fine darts player (representing PJ Byrne’s and O’Brien’s amongst others), handball player, played football with the famous Claremorris Bacon Factory and Barnycarroll teams, and was a member of the Castlegar Tug-of war team that was a match for all comers. They dominated the sport in the region for many years and were an attraction every year at the Castlegar Sports held in Reaney’s field. The Connaughton family were synonymous with greyhounds, coursing and track racing.

Who can ever forget Mayo Post reaching the final of the Waterloo Cup in the mid fifties? Martin’s late brother Pat who lived at Loughnamon owned the dog. Martin owned, bred and trained many useful dogs (he received a sum of €600 for a dog named Farmhill Champion in 1948 which was a huge sum of money at the time) and took great –pleasure in seeing two of his sons Seamus and Michael carrying on the great tradition. One of his proudest moments was seeing his son Seamus’s dogs win five races out of eight at Longford Greyhound track one evening. His friend Vincent Mahon whose dog travelled in Connaughton’s van made it six. Martin together with his great friend Tom Heneghan were constant companions as they visited and competed at all the greyhound tracks in the region.

Martin worked for Mayo County Council for some time and thought nothing of cycling from Kitimagh to the Mayo/Roscommon border in the course of his work.

He afterwards joined the staff of Claremorris Bacon Factory and spent over 55 years in the employment of that highly revered employer.

He was much respected by the company and colleagues and one of his proudest possessions was a valedictory letter scripted by Mickey O’ Mara (owner of Claremorris Bacon Factory) thanking him for his work and devotion to the company.

It was during his early years in the factory that he met and afterwards married May Smyth of nearby Castlemagarrett. The couple went to live at Farmhill, Claremorris and their happy marriage produced five sons whose love for sport was inculcated into each of them from an early age.

The family moved to Knock Road, Claremorris in 1952 and their presence within the town had a pronounced affect on the sporting life in particular in the region.

The Connaughton family took great pleasure in seeing their son Michael go on to represent Mayo at Gaelic football in all grades. Unfortunately a major injury sustained when he was in his prime ended what would undoubtedly have been a long and illustrious career.

The entire family played football and they received great support and encouragement from Martin and his wife May at the games in Fr Gibbons Park and throughout the County.

Martin was a great gardener who grew herbs that he used as cures for injuries and other ailments for people that needed them. He was generous beyond words in this regard with the welfare of the person receiving his help his one and only consideration. He never missed a year without going to the bog and his tightly packed shed of stone turf bore ample testimony to his hard work in this regard.

He was a man of deep faith and good Christian values; he never went to sleep at night without reciting the Rosary, he abhorred bad language and was quick to point out this when someone infringed in this regard.

Martin was a renowned good neighbour and friend to everyone lucky enough to have lived close to him.

He was a firm believer in the old adage ‘if you haven’t something good to say about someone don’t say anything at all’. A man of wisdom and deep intellect he aired his views fairly and without fear or favour.

Martin possessed a great memory that was razor sharp until his untimely passing. Ironically he visited his beloved Loughnamon for the last time to wander around and dwell on his native place and the happy memories of times long gone by in the week before his untimely passing. He also visited Fr Gibbons Park to run the rule over his son Seamus’s young son playing football just before his passing.  

Martin was well cared for in the Dalton Community Home; he continued his cherished practice of having the odd wager on the horses while there together with visiting O’Brien’s for his customary pint in the company of his many friends.

His passing has left a deep and lasting void in the community. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family relatives and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. - AG