Joe Corcoran

WHEN Joe Corcoran from Scardaune died some weeks ago, it was the closing of a chapter in the community life of Garrymore. Joe was an absolute institution in the area and for many years he was known locally as the King of Garrymore.

Joe held court each night in his homely abode where callers rambled in and out to share some memories and chat and enjoy a “supeen” of something or another along the way. There was an old style decency to Joe that endeared him to one and all.

Joe was the subject of a special feature compiled by Michael Commins for The Mayo News back in 2008. Copies of the newspaper were sent far and wide to Garrymore “exiles” around the country and overseas.

He concluded the feature with the following summary: “In the heartlands, some things remain constant. Roots run deep. Respect for tradition holds firm. Garrymore has always been a Gaelic stronghold. And wherever the exile sons and daughters of the place gather, they too think of the land where they once had a home. And they think of people like Joe who encapsulates that entire tradition.”

Joe’s nephew Michael Connolly and his neighbour Peter Connor paid special tributes to him towards the end of the Funeral Mass in Crossboyne Church. Both spoke of the special place Joe had in the affections of every age group in the region and that his memory would long endure in the Garrymore region.

Peter also rendered a version of the Big Tom song, Going Out The Same Way You Came In, which was a special favourite of Joe’s.

The following tribute has been submitted to The Mayo News by Peter Connor in memory of a man who was held in such great regard all around this region of South Mayo.

“Everybody remembers the time, the day and the place they were when someone special dies. Your first reaction is to pause and reflect and look back on the person's life with joy and sadness. As with ever death there is always mixed emotions no matter how young or old they are.

A life that gave so much joy and friendship and support to us all is suddenly taken from us. Even up to his final day Joe was planning ahead and determined to live.

It was this enthusiasm for life that defined his character. Joe was a great addition to his community both as a person a sportsman and a friend. He was well respected by all and it was this respect and love for his parish and his club Garrymore that he got the title 'King of Garrymore', a legend in his own right.

Everyone that knew Joe has fond memories and stories to tell. He was a comedian and joker and they were very few that escaped his good humour. I remember with fondness the many times we as children visited Joe and his mother's home to watch television.

The football matches were the highlight. The kitchen was full. On one occasion I remember Jack Murphy attempting to save a goal when the Offaly/Kerry All Ireland football match was on the television he nearly knocked the TV down.

As a relatively young man he was not always blessed with good health but Joe always looked on the positive side and looked after himself and even made very good friends in hospital. He also went to America on holidays and on one occasion surprised his good friend SeΡn Tierney RIP. He also travelled to Croke  Park with us  to support his county in 1996 and 1997.

Joe was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was generous in heart and deed. He was a loyal and trusted friend and neighbour and community activist.

On the day of Joe's burial, he was carried shoulder high from the church over the bridge in Crossboyne to his final resting place. This was the respect and high esteem in which he was held.

The Corcoran's house in Scardaune is now lost without its master but the memories of banter and laughter will last in our minds and hearts forever. Thank you Joe for all the good times and we pray you are now safely in your heavenly home.”