Tributes flow after death of ‘one of a kind’ Mayo centenarian
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Michael Gaynard from Derrymore, Hollymount, who died recently in Hollymount Nursing Home, was a legendary character. He had reached the 100 year milestone earlier this year and was truly ‘old stock’ of the region.
Mick, as he was known to all, arrived into the world just weeks after the first official Irish radio broadcast that took place on January 1, 1926, in Dublin. Local radio Midwest had become a staple diet for Mick over the last four decades or so.
His old home in Derrymore was, for many years, a place where neighbours rambled in to chat about the news of the day and share memories and banter of former times. Many a great night was had in Mick’s ‘parlour’ where stories were told, cards were played and a few whiskeys never went astray.
It was a throw-back to the warm and native culture that his generation grew up in when the doors of neighbours were thrown open and a million miles removed from the ‘gated’ communities that prevail in many parts of the island of Ireland today.
For many of us over the last four decades or more, Mick and his great friend and neighbour, the country singer, Small Tom Hughes, were like the ‘Foster and Allen’ duo of our region. Every Friday without fail for all those years, Tom brought Mick to Claremorris for his shopping and ‘messages’ and they could always be seen enjoying the banter and meeting friends over dinner in the Dalton Inn Hotel.
So many warm and heartfelt tributes have been paid to Mick since his passing with many recalling his days working on the bog and his words of wisdom along life’s journey.
Chrissie Moran, Crossboyne, said Mick was such a character: “He was blessed with wonderful friends, especially Small Tom who looked after him so well and also Val and Maisie Jennings, Mattie Joe Connolly and all the gang who gathered in his home most evenings for the craic and chat. I parked my car in his yard on my way to the bog and received fresh free range eggs on my return. You whistled before we saw you, Mick, you were one of a kind.”
Huge void
Carol Gibbons (Connolly), commented: “The passing of Mick leaves a huge void in our little community. This marks the end of an era that will never be repeated and most certainly will never be forgotten. My first memory of Mick is of him cycling his bike, and either whistling or singing as he passed. He was a gentleman to the very end who always had a word for everyone, young or old. Our sincere condolences to the wonderful Small Tom who looked after Mick so well. Wherever one was the other was never too far behind.”
Kate Reddy from Mayfield, Claremorris, stated: “I have great memories of Mick from his visits to the Dalton Inn. He loved his pot of tea after his lunch and we also made sure he had something nice to go with it. He was a real gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known him for many years. We also remember Small Tom who looked after him so caringly for so long.”
Martin Walsh, Farmhill, said Michael was one of life’s great characters and an institution in the area: “He will be missed by many around the Mart in Ballinrobe.”
His neighbours, Mattie Joe and Bernie Connolly, said Mick was 'a true legend' who has now gone from the area: “It was a pleasure knowing you, Mick. We will miss visiting you and the many long debates. We extend sincere sympathy to Small Tom who took such great care of him down through the years.”
Reposing was in Gilligan’s Funeral Home, with removal to Roundfort Church. Interment took place in Roundfort cemetery following the celebration of the funeral Mass.
Mick, who was predeceased by his brothers Tommy and Peter, will be sadly missed by his cousins, neighbours and close friends, especially (Small) Tom Hughes, and his great neighbours and friends.