Johnny Donnelly

Mr Johnny Donnelly, who died at the MacBride Community Nursing Unit in Westport, was a native of Lecanvey, Westport, where he lived for most of his life. He had been in the Mac Bride CNU for the past six years and passed away there in the devoted care of the matron and staff. His wife, Ellie, who passed away in 2008 was also a resident of the Mac Bride CNU and was equally well cared for there.

Johnny, who was aged 88 years, was a prominent member of the local farming community. Along with his farming activities, he was well-known for ploughing tillage with his horse-drawn plough, long before machinery took over the process. He was also renowned for his great skills as a sheepdog trainer. Dogs trained by Johnny were much in demand by local sheep farmers.

In his younger days Johnny combined his farming with working for Mayo County Council. In the latter capacity he was a member of the Council team which, in the 1960’s, built the first toilets at the third station on Croagh Patrick near the summit. Johnny was a great supporter of the GAA and took a great interest in local teams. Like so many he longed for the day when a Mayo team would bring the Sam Maguire back to Mayo, though he was old enough to remember the county team taking All-Ireland honours in ‘36, ‘50 and ‘51. He was a member of the Lecanvey team which won the O’Toole Cup in 1951.

He loved meeting his neighbours for a chat and was himself a great practitioner of the now - almost forgotten art of house visitation. Johnny loved the game of ‘25 and looked forward to playing regulary with his lifelong friend Tim Conway who only passed away a few months ago. He was also very well - read, newspapers, magazines and books.

He will be sadly missed by his son Michéal, daughter-in-law Martina, nephew Joe Fergus (Louisburgh), sisters-in-law Mai and Aggie, extended family, neighbours and friends and all at the Mac Bride CNU.

He was predeceased by his wife Ellie in 2008 and his sister Bea in 1994.

Johnny’s removal was from his home in Lecanvey to the local St. Patrick’s Church where Fr. Paddy Gill officiated at the reception ceremony. The concelebrants of the funeral Mass were Fr. Paddy Gill and Fr. Michéal McGreil, SJ.

Johnny was laid to rest in Murrisk Abbey Cemetery. Peace to his gentle soul.

Month’s Mind Mass for Johnny will be offered on Friday, July 15 in St Patrick’s Church, Lecanvey at 7.30pm.