North Longford mourns death of highly regarded Joseph Skelly

There was great sadness in the area on Wednesday, September 6 when news spread of the death of Joseph (Joe) Skelly, Moatfarrell, and formerly of Reading, England and Mullinroe, who passed away peacefully in Mullingar Hospital after a brief illness.

Joe was in his eighty-fourth year and was the son of John and Mary Skelly of Mullinroe, and was one of a family of nine who are highly regarded in the local community.

He was educated locally before emigrating to England as a young man, where he worked both in construction and in the hotel and catering trade, and was employed as a chef in several leading hotels.

A trowel and a chef’s knife were brought to the altar at his funeral in memory of his talents and skills.

After retirement, Joe returned to Ireland and settled in Moatfarrell, where he was well-regarded as a kind and helpful neighbour, before moving to Our Lady’s Manor in Edgeworthstown in the last few years as his health disimproved.

He is survived by his son Jason, his brother Bernard, his sister Margaret (U.S.A.), his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies.

His Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, September 9 in the chapel of Our Lady’s Manor and was celebrated by his neighbour Fr. Simon Cadam, followed by interment in the family plot in St Columba's Cemetery, Mullinalaghta.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.