RIP: “So happy he got to see his beloved Mayo win the All Ireland.”

THE death took place last week in the Mater Hospital, Dublin, of Noel Mullaney, Crumlin, Dublin, and formerly of Meelickmore, Claremorris.

He was a member of a well known and highly regarded family in the Meelickmore region.

His younger days saw him spend some time, like so many from this area, as an employee of Claremorris Bacon Company.

He also spent some time with CIE when looking after some level-crossings including the one at Mossbrook.

Though residing in Dublin for many years, Noel always maintained a great ‘grá’ for his home parish and county.

Some lovely tributes have been paid to him in recent days from people who remembered him fondly over the years.

Charlie and Deirdre Egan, North Carolina, said Noel was a great character when recalling “good times in the Bacon factory.”

Tom Mongan, Ballygowan, stated: “Noel and me soldiered together in Meelickmore school for a few years. That was an experience not to be forgotten.”

Vanessa Carroll said: “It was a privilege to care for Noel for so many years. He was a true gentleman who brought so much joy to our days and showed such kindness to all around him.”

Cathal Geraghty, reflecting Noel’s affinity with his home county, declared: “Noel was a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to look after him and get to know him over the past few years.

“So happy he got to see his beloved Mayo win the All Ireland.”

Reposing was in Gilligan’s Funeral Home on Thursday evening and interment took place in Claremorris cemetery following the funeral Mass in St Colman’s Church on Friday.

Noel, who was son of the late John Joe and Kate Mullaney, and was also predeceased by his sister Annie Mai, his brothers Michael and Jimmy and nephews Joe and Thomas, will be sadly missed by his brothers John and Tom Mullaney, sisters Josie Garvey (Limerick) and Helen Kelly (Clogher), brothers-in-law Christy and Eddie, sister-in-law Breege, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends.