RIP: Mayo and Galway communities mourn loss of respected figure

The news of the recent passing of Johnny Courtney from Lisanney, Kilconly, was received with much sadness around the borderline country of Galway and Mayo.

Johnny, who was in his 80s, was a kind and noble gentleman who had a great rapport with neighbours and many friends around the region.

Johnny was a man with a great knowledge of his home area and he was an avid reader and collector of items and memorabilia.

He had an abiding interest in local history and folklore and a huge appreciation for our local culture and sense of place. He was also an active and loyal member of the North East Galway Region of the Pioneer Association over many years.

Frank Kearney from Lackagh was among those paying tribute to Johnny: “Our paths first crossed many decades ago through the PTAA and later through GAA, history, local knowledge and social activity.

"Like many of our generation, Johnny was a man with little formal education, but learned more than most through the education of life.

“He read and treasured every moment of his life and he never shirked on sharing information with others equally interested.

"We are all privileged to have known him and our lives have been encouraged and are the better of his wonderful personality and friendship.”

Gerry Daly recalled fond memories of Johnny: “We had many discussions back the years as we stood with rams in marts in places like Tuam and Ballinrobe.

"Johnny bridged the gap between the old world and the new in the worlds of farming, folklore, history, poetry, literature, tradition and football. He was above all a learned man and a gentleman.”

Evelyn Flanagan said Johnny’s knowledge of the local history of Kilconly was unparalleled.

“He had a great eye for books and knew how to pick out something interesting and unusual from a pile of otherwise worthless material. He was always willing to share his knowledge and for that I’m very thankful.”

Hubert Jennings, Hollymount and Galway, also joined in the warm tributes: “I only got to know Johnny in more recent times, through our mutual interest in history and heritage - both local and national.

"What an extraordinary person! His passing is a great loss to his community.”

Members of Milltown Heritage Group said they were deeply saddened by his loss: “Johnny was a true guardian of our shared past, with a deep knowledge of heritage that inspired all of us.”

Reposing was at Glynn’s Funeral Home, Tuam, with removal to St Conleth’s Church and interment took place in Kilconly cemetery following the funeral Mass.

Johnny, who was predeceased by his sisters Mary, Margaret and Kitty, his baby brother William Martin, brothers-in-law Jim, Paddy, Mick and Joe and his nephew Joseph, will be sadly missed by his sisters Nora and Teresa, brother-in-law Gerry, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.