Ring saddened by death of former Cathaoirleach Eddie Staunton

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Eddie Staunton who passed away over the weekend.

A native of Ballynacloy, Crossmolina, Eddie Staunton was a former Fine Gael county councillor who held the role of first citizen of the county when he was elected Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council for a 12 month period in 2004/05.

He passed away in his home on Sunday surrounded by his loving family.

Cllr Staunton served as a councillor for 33 after he was first co-opted onto Mayo County Council in 1981 and was elected at every election until he retired from politics in 2014.

Current Fine Gael TD, Michael Ring who served with Mr Staunton for a number of years as a county councillor said he was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

“I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Eddie. Eddie was a formidable character. He was a Mayo County Councillor for a long number of years and he served this role with distinction. He worked hard for his locality and he was a very well respected man.

“I served with Eddie on Mayo County Council and I always found him to be a thorough gentleman.

“I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Eddie’s wife, Margaret, daughters- Geraldine and Mairead and his sons- Eamon and Brian, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers, sisters and extended families,” Deputy Ring said.

Predeceased by his loving brothers and sisters Tommy, Michael, Martin, Teenie, Mary Jo, Belinda and Chrissie and niece Mary, Eddie is survived by his wife Margaret; children, Geraldine, Eamonn, Mairéad and Brian; grandchildren, Lucy and Alex and many relatives, friends and neighbours.

Reposing at Hiney's Funeral Home, Crossmolina on Monday evening from 4pm to 6pm, his Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday at 12 noon in St Cormac's Church, Moygownagh, with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.