Death of popular north Mayo publican

THE death has occurred of Paddy Lavelle of The Eagle Bar, Corclough West, Belmullet.

He passed peacefully, in the wonderful care of the staff of Belmullet Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Paddy was a lovely gentleman who was a firm favourite in the community, where he was deeply involved, and with his customers, always with a warm welcome for people visiting the bar.

He was also a respected figure among his vintner colleagues, many of whom have fond memories of time spent on the golf course.

In extending condolences to the Lavelle family, many tributes are being paid to Paddy online on rip.ie.

“He was a true gentleman and many great nights were spent in The Eagle Bar,” said one.

“It was always lovely to see him sitting in his corner at the bar in the pub. Always a pleasure to meet him,” recalled another.

Another colleague remembered happy days: “We met many times on the Mayo Vintners golf outings. Always the nicest of men, on the course and in the clubhouse.”

Paddy was predeceased by his wife Sadie, son-in-law Pat Prendergast, parents Patsy and Bridget Lavelle, sister Bridie Kirwan and brothers Tom, John, Jim, Willie and Bernie.

He was beloved father of Beatie, James and Patrick and cherished grandfather to Emma and Sarah. He will sadly missed by his family, Patrick’s husband Marco, Emma’s husband John, Sarah’s husband Jack, sister Mary Murray (Manchester), sisters-in-law Goretti Lavelle (Ardoone, Belmullet), Mary Ann Lavelle (Corclough West, Belmullet) and Mary Duffy (Cleveland, USA), brothers-in-law Jim Keane (Athlone) and Patsy Keane (New York), nieces, nephews, kind neighbours and many friends to whom sympathy is extended on their loss.

Paddy will lie in repose at his residence today (Saturday) from 2 until 7 p.m. Funeral will arrive at the Church of the Holy Family, Carne, on Sunday for funeral Mass at 12 o’clock followed by burial in Tarmoncarra Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.