Death of young Oughterard man is deeply mourned in Mayo

The death last Friday of Céin Conneely, Lemonfield, (Ardvarna), Oughterard, Co. Galway, is deeply mourned in Mayo. He died in a boating accident.

A respected and widely popular personality, many warm tributes are being paid to the angling enthusiast on social media.

"Céin was very big hearted and generous. He was always a pleasure to meet and was always in good humour," one stated.

"Céin always had a smile and a laugh for who who met him. A character taken too soon," another said.

Oughterard Trout Hatchery, with whom he was a volunteer, said in a tribute that everybody in the Lough Corrib angling community is deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of Céin Conneely.

It continued: "Céin was one of the great characters of Oughterard and especially Lough Corrib where he spent many hours honing his skills as a fisherman and boatman.

"Céin was a maestro at fishing the bricín, dapping and in particular trolling for big trout with many specimen fish to his name.

"Céin was also a volunteer at the Oughterard Hatchery during the winter months.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his mother Grace, his two brothers Gavin and Dáire, his extended family and his wide circle of friends.

"Ní bheidh a leithéid aríst ann."

Oughterard GAA Club observed a minute's silence in his honour at a club game over the weekend. He was a former player with the club.

Castlebar Celtic FC has extended sympathy to the Conneely and Gavin families on their loss.

The club's Super League match against Kiltimagh Knock United was postponed yesterday as a mark of respect.

The deceased was a first cousin of Celtic senior team manager Stevie Gavin.

Many messages of support and condolences are being extended to the bereaved family.

Predeceased by his father Pat, Céin is lovingly mourned by his mother Grace (formerly Gavin, Greenfields, Castlebar), brothers Gavin and Dáire, uncles, aunts, extended family, friends, relatives and neighbours, to whom sympathy is tendered.

The deceased was a nephew of Sean and Colm Gavin, Castlebar.

Céin will be reposing at his home this evening (Monday) from 5 to 7 pm.

Cremation takes place in Shannon Crematorium at 1 o’clock on Tuesday.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.