Leitrim community mourns death of 'great character' who was 'always smiling and full of fun'

Tributes have flooded in following the passing of Willie Conefrey of Mahana, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. 

Willie passed away peacefully, following a short illness, in the presence of his loving family and in the gentle care of the staff of the North West Hospice, Sligo, on Wednesday, January 15.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Mai, their children Tony, Chris, Noel, Fiona Crosbie, Lisa Scott, Joe, Paul and Tom, his sister Mary Heeran, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and “wide circle of valued neighbours and friends”, according to his death notice. 

Many have taken to express their sympathies with Willie's family online, as well as share their fond memories of the Ballinamore man.

One mourner on RIP.ie said: "We were sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. A true gentleman and a good neighbour. Deepest sympathy to Mai, Tony, Christopher, Noel, Fiona, Lisa, Joe, Paul and Tom, and his sister Mary. May his gentle soul rest in peace."

Another condolence read: "Our deepest condolences to Mai and all the Conefrey family on the passing of Willie - a great character, always smiling and full of fun who will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace."

Willie will be reposing at Smith's Funeral Home, High St. Ballinamore on Thursday evening from 5pm until 7pm. Removal from the family home on Friday morning, arriving at St. Mary's Church, Foxfield, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in Fenagh's new cemetery.