Tributes pour in for respected Mayo town figure

Joe Campbell from Shanvaghera, Knock, Mayo, who died recently following a short illness, was a popular and highly thought of member of the local community.

The news of his passing was received with deep sadness as Joe was a friend to all who knew him.

He was a loyal employee of Mayo County Council for many years and worked on numerous roads throughout the region.

His easy going ways and gentle rapport with people ensured that he was welcome in all the communities along the roads that he served with such loyalty and dedication down the years.

Joe worked with the Council in an era when they were invited into homes for tea and maybe something stronger at times! It was a wonderful and homely era when the ‘meitheal’ spirit was alive and thriving and whenever had time to share with each other.

He was, in every regard, one of the grand ‘old stock’ of the parish and region. His warm smile and charming nature endeared him to so many people. He loved Mayo and it people and was a central player in the community life of his beloved Shanvaghera and Knock.

On a personal level, I knew Joe for many years and I always enjoyed chatting with him and sharing memories of his love for country music and his favourite singers that he and Mary (nee Hopkins from Ballindine) enjoyed so many wonderful nights down through the years.

There was always that warm and lovely smile and warm handshake that made us all feel so much at home in his company.

The huge amount of tributes is testament to the respect in which he was held all over the region.

Catherine and the Lyons family from Shanvaghera said: “Joe was such a lovely gentleman to meet. He always had a smile and such warm words and made you feel better for having met him

"He will be very sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.”

Walter Keady (Cáirde Mhuire), Belclare, Tuam, reflected: “We soldiered together for over 40 years on the 4th Sunday in Knock.

"Joe was always such a perfect gentleman and so kind and helpful towards everybody. We will all miss his good humour.”

Paddy Byrne from Cullane, Ballindine, said: “I first got to know Joe when we were both staff of the Council back in the 70s and any time I would meet him he was always in great humour and would put a smile on your face.

"He was one lovely man.”

Nora Harrington commented: “Joe was one of the first people I got to know when I joined Handmaids and Stewards at Knock Shrine 38 years ago. He was always so kind, helpful and gentle. He was blessed with a million dollar smile.

"We his Knock Shrine Family are going to miss him terribly especially at the Novena.”

Séamus and Carmel Glynn, Claremorris, shared their fond memories of Joe: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of our great friend and colleague, Joe. He was a most reliable and honest gentleman respected by everybody.

"Joe’s great faith sustained him in his final days.”

Tom and Carmel Neary, Claremorris and Knock, said: “Some of us have worked with Joe for many years at Knock Shrine where he was a very loyal and dedicated steward of Cara Mhuire.

Joe was the nicest man because he was always friendly, pleasant, chatty, and his smile would put you in good humour for the entire day. He will be sorely missed by Knock Shrine Society members and by his many friends.”

Colleagues from Cáirde Mhuire, Knock, formed a guard of honour as a tribute to their beloved and loyal member.

Reposing was in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, with removal to St Anne’s Church, Shanvaghera. Interment took place in Knock Cemetery following Requiem Mass.

Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Mary, his daughter Marie, sons Terry and Tommy, grandchildren Jack, Kayla, Evan, Kyle, Sinéad, Amelia and Olivia, brother Terence, sister Bridie, son-in-law Owen, daughter-in-law Christine, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.