West Mayo community mourns passing of popular personality

The death has occurred peacefully at his home, in the loving care of his family, of Martin (better known as Matt) Gill, Kilsallagh, Westport.

Predeceased by his parents Sarah and Martin (Murrisk), he is deeply regretted by his wife Beatrice (née Kilcoyne), daughters Maria Gill (Galway), Caroline Lilly (Dublin) and Sarah Burke (Oranmore, Galway), grandchildren Martin, Clodagh and Ellie, sons-in-law David Burke and Conor Lilly, brothers Austin (Murrisk), Tom (Murrisk) and Seamus (Westport), sisters Sal Kilcoyne (Claremorris), Anne Dunne (Carrowkennedy, Westport) and Maureen Sheridan (Newport), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, many good friends and the extended Gill and Kilcoyne families, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Matt, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, was an accomplished motor mechanic and started his working life in Tim Hastings garage in Westport.

He later worked in Allergan Pharmaceuticals and, more recently, in Nomadic, Louisburgh, where he was held in high regard by his work colleagues.

He had a great interest in vintage machinery and spent many happy hours working on vintage cars.

Matt was well known and his happy disposition endeared him to the many people he encountered over the years.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Matt will repose in Murrisk Community Centre tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5 p.m. with removal at 7 p.m. to St. Patrick's Church, Lecanvey.

Funeral Mass takes place on Wednesday at 12.30 p.m followed by private cremation.