Martin Gavin

It is with great sadness that we report the death took place of Martin Gavin of Tonlegee, Aughagower on Friday, December 20. He died peacefully at his home in the loving care of his family.

Martin was born on October 26, 1923. His parents were John Gavin and Bridget Flynn.  He was one of nine children. He married Mary Hastings from Drummin on July 27, 1953 and together they raised nine children.

As a young man Martin spent a short time working in Peterborough in England, before returning to Tonlegee to take over the family farm.

Martin became involved in farming activity known nowadays as agricultural contracting. He was especially well known for the “thrashing” and he travelled not only in his own parish but also to the surrounding areas.

Marty was always a good time- keeper. He was a man of his word and if he said he’d be somewhere at a certain time you could be sure that he would.

Marty read the newspaper every day and he liked to keep up to date with current affairs. He could hold a conversation with anyone on almost any topic. He was particularly interested in politics both locally, nationally and internationally.

 He was a staunch Fine Gael supporter (Blueshirt). He regularly canvassed for the local candidates in every election campaign and acted as an impersonator in the local polling station. He was one of the proudest men in County Mayo when Enda Kenny was elected Taoiseach.

 He was a member of the IFA (Irish Farmers Association) and the local Community Council. Martin enjoyed card playing and was a dab hand at darts. In later years he enjoyed cycling and could often be seen riding his bike on the local roads.

Martin loved family occasions, the most recent of these included his 60th Wedding Anniversary and 90th birthday both of which were celebrated in 2013.

 He looked forward to visits from family in England, especially his brother Tommy (London) and sister Rose (Coventry).

His religion was very important to Martin and he attended weekly Mass in the local church. He prayed the rosary every night in his home. He climbed the Reek every year and sometimes more than once.

To his family, he was a devoted Dad, a confidant and  a brilliant teacher who instilled in his family a strong work ethic.

Martin is survived by his loving wife Mary, daughters Marian (Killawalla), Martina (Islandeady), Angela (London),  sons Joe (Westport), Chris (Islandeady), Gerard (Carrabaun), Brendan (London), Timmy (London) and Martin Jnr (Mace), sister Rose (Coventry) and brothers Stephen (Carrabaun) and Tommy (London), grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Following repose at his home in Tonlegee and later in Navins Funeral Home, Westport, removal took place to St Patrick’s Church, Aughagower where Fr Jackie Conroy officiated.

The funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Jackie Conroy, Fr MicheΡl MacGréil, Fr Pat Donellan and Fr Michael Treacy. Family members took part in the funeral liturgy, reading the lessons and prayers of the faithful and bringing the offertory gifts to the altar.

The liturgy was complemented by the church choir and a lament was performed by his granddaughter Andrea on a traditional Irish flute. After the Mass, Martin was laid to rest in the local cemetery.

May his gentle soul have peaceful rest.  Ar dheis De go raibh anam.