Seán Joyce

SeΡn Joyce was born on August 19, 1942 in the family home in Drumgarive, Kilmeena to his loving parents Anthony and Margaret Joyce. He was the first boy in the family after his three older sisters Maureen, Angela and Helena (Chicago) and was later joined by Chris (Drumgarive) and brothers Tony and Joe (Drumgarive). He was predeceased by infant sister, Rosemary.

He was educated in Myna and Carrowholly before he went to the Tech in Westport. On leaving school he served his time as a plasterer with Cox Walkin and Cox Builders and in this role he worked on many churches and schools throughout Mayo. He started work with The Western Health Board in 1967 based in St Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar, and he worked in the General Hospital and District Hospitals throughout the county.

From an early age he had a great love of horses and was a member of Westport Horse Show Society and was actively involved with Westport Horse and Pony Show and Fair, which he looked forward to each year.

He was an active member of Kilmeena Gun Club and enjoyed the outings on Sundays or when called on. He was also active with Kilmeena GAA Club and played in the ’60s. He would have been delighted with his coffin draped in the black and white of Kilmeena. He was also a keen Manchester United fan and travelled to Old Trafford when United won their twentieth league title.

SeΡn met Patricia McGinty when she came to Westport to work as a hairdresser, and they married in Achill in 1969. They started married life on the Quay Road, Westport and lived there for over eight years before buying their home on James Street from Lord Sligo before building a house and moving back home to Kilmeena in 2000. They had four children, SeΡn, Anthony, Gaven and Trish and a precious grand-daughter, Faith (granddad’slittle cookie whom he adored). SeΡn will be sadly missed by his wife, children, brothers, sisters and extended family, his best friend of many years Paddy Joe Foy and many friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace.