More sorrow for tragic Wilson family in Erris

Ciara Galvin

THE community of Erris was in mourning once again last week when news filtered through of the passing of Joseph (Josie) Wilson of Binghamstown, Cross, Belmullet, last Wednesday.

Mr Wilson passed away suddenly at his home and was aged in his 70s. He is the fourth member of the Wilson family to die in just over four weeks, after his wife Mary Ann, daughter Marcella and grandson Sean Wilson-McGlynn tragically lost their lives in a car accident at Lisduff on the N17, near Claremorris on September 11 last.

It is understood that the Wilson family were due to hold the month’s mind Mass for Mary Ann, Marcella and Sean last Sunday, but unimaginably found themselves attending the burial of Mr Wilson on Friday last. Local Senator and neighbour Rose Conway-Walsh described Mr Wilson’s passing as ‘remarkably sad’, adding that Josie’s death has brought about a ‘numbness’ in the community.

“The family were already going through grief, it’s unbelievable and unimaginable,” said Senator Conway-Walsh.

Speaking about the month’s mind Mass for Mary Ann, Marcella and Sean, which was held on Sunday last, she said Fr Kevin Hegarty rightly received a round of applause.

“Fr Kevin gave a beautiful sermon and spoke about Marcella’s daughter Amy and said that in all his years as a priest he had never seen such courage as he saw in Amy giving a speech that day. I would absolutely agree with him, so profound,” said Senator Conway-Walsh.

“The community are gathering around and gathered over the last month. No one knows how to ease the pain. The community will be here for them,” she concluded.

Mr Wilson is deeply mourned by his sons Michael (Northampton), Noel (Cross, Binghamstown), John (Luton) and daughter Annette (Cross, Binghamstown), grandchildren, great-grandchild, daughters in-law, son in-law, brothers, sisters, his extended family, relatives and many friends. Mr Wilson was laid to rest in Cross Cemetery on Friday last, following Funeral Mass in St Joseph’s Church.