RIP: 'Gentleman' - Memories shared as Mayo man passes away

Mike Hamrogue, Brownstown, Hollymount, Mayo, and formerly of Lakeview, Ballinrobe, who died recently in the Galway Clinic, was a highly respected member of the local rural community.

He was in his 82nd year and had been in declining health for some time.

There was a warmth and sincerity about Mike that endeared him to so many people. He spent some years in Dublin where he worked as a bus driver.

It was while working there that he met Rose O’Brien from Dublin. They married sometime later and, after some years residing in Dublin, they made the decision to move down to Mayo in 1980.

Mike secured a job with the Inland Fisheries on his return and worked with them for several years around the Cushlough and Brownstown region.

He enjoyed those times in a special way and made many friends throughout the angling community and retired from that position in 2009.

The farming way of life also held special appeal for Mike and he was closely associated with the dairying scene in his home area.

He had a fine knowledge of livestock and especially in relation to the dairy sector.

Mike had an abiding fondness for the sporting scene and Gaelic football and hurling were close to his heart.

He enjoyed many days supporting Mayo and travelled to Croke Park along with his life-long friend, Patsy Feerick, to some of the big football and hurling matches, especially during the 1970s and 80s.

He also had a major interest in English soccer and closely followed the various divisions across the Irish Sea while darts and other sporting ventures also held his interest.

Another of Mike’s special hobbies was the game of 25 and Emmet Feerick’s Bar in Ballinrobe was a favourite haunt for the folks from Brownstown on Saturday nights over the years.

He was also a big supporter of the regular games in Fr Paddy’s House in Robeen during winter months.

Among the many paying tribute to Mike was the well known and acclaimed Westport boxer, Peter Mullen.

“We have great memories of Mike when he was staying in Mary and Willie Cashin’s Guest House on the South Circular Road, Dublin, and we would meet up with him when going to boxing tournaments in the stadium. He was such a gentleman.”

Liam Gavin also spoke highly of a loyal friend. “I worked with Mike when I started in Fisheries and have such fond memories of a kind and true gentleman. I will always be thankful for how he welcomed us and shared his in-depth knowledge and humour.”

Mike was a great neighbour and friend, a man blessed with a wonderful memory, and whose decency and good nature were always to the fore.

Condolences are tendered to the family on the passing of this noble gentleman.

Reposing was at Fr Paddy’s House, Robeen, with private removal to his son Eamon’s home.

Following Requiem Mass in Robeen Church celebrated by Fr Mike Murphy, PP, interment took place in the Ballinrobe cemetery. Music and song for the liturgy was provided by Pat McGovern, Frank Keane and the Conroy sisters.

Mike, who was predeceased by his baby son Michael and his parents Michael and Mary (née Keane), will be deeply missed by his wife Rosemary; his daughter, Maria and his son Eamon, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Katie, his sister Mary (Stafford), brother-in-law Jim, nephews John and his wife Linda and Trevor and his wife Linda, grand-nieces and grand-nephews Rachel, Chloe, Seán, Ruadhán, and Mairéad, his brother-in-law Jimmy and sister- in-law Madeline, all his cousins, neighbours, and his large circle of friends.

The Month’s Mind Mass for Mike will be celebrated in Robeen Church on Sunday, February 8, at 11.30am.