Swinford mourns passing of Brendan (Barney) Groarke

THE death has occurred of one of Swinford's best known personalities - Brendan Groarke, Bridge Street. He passed peacefully at Mayo University Hospital.

Known far and wide as Barney, he was manager of the local social welfare office for over 50 years.

In his youth he was an outstanding sportsman, playing for the Mayo Under 21 team in 1964 and the county junior team in 1967.

He was a member of the Swinford junior team which captured the east Mayo championship title and went on to reach the reach the county final in 1966. He was also secretary of Swinford GAA Club from 1963 to '69.

A relative of one of Mayo's best ever known Gaelic footballer, Dr. Padraig Carney, he also served as president of the east Mayo GAA Board, a position also held by his late father Jimmy.

Later, Barney went on to be one of the top badminton players in the county and he was also a keen golfer.

Sympathy is extended to his loving wife Mona, daughters Louise, Susan and Fiona, sisters Maureen and Loretta, sons in-law Eddie and Barry, Fiona’s fiancé Paul, grandchildren, family and a large circle of friends on his passing.

Reposing in Boland's Funeral Home this Sunday evening from 4 to 7 p.m., removal is on Monday morning from Boland's Funeral Home at 11.30 a.m. to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Swinford, for Mass at 12 o'clock. He will be laid to rest in Kilconduff Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.