Mayo parish mourns passing of popular personality John Flynn
The death of John Flynn, Parke, Turlough, Castlebar, is deeply regretted in the community.
He died peacefully last Tuesday at the Mater Hospital, Dublin.
A widely popular and respected personality, he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family: sons Sean (Denmark), Larry (U.K) and Jason (Parke), daughters Jackie Price (Kildare), Michelle Flynn (Parke) and Annette Flynn (Parke), sister Eileen Enright (New York), grandchildren Casper, David, Natalie, Daniel, Laura, Taylor, Ryan, Charley and Katie, great-granddaughter Olivia, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law Sharon and Martina, son-in-law Fred, family circle, relatives and many friends.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gertie (née Power), his parents Jack and Maria (née McHale), brother Mike (Navan) and recently deceased sister Maureen Ketterick (Westport).
In the late 1950s, John emigrated to England at a very young age, along with the late Mike Jordan of Cloonagleragh.
An excellent singer he became part of the then vibrant Irish community in Nottingham where he met his wife, Gertie, a native of Waterford.
During his time in England John honed his carpentry and building skills and himself and Gertie later returned to Ireland.
He divided his time working as a building contractor and farming.
He had an excellent knowledge of local history which he often spoke about in the Turlough Inn and Ballyvary where his friends enjoyed his storytelling.
Many warm tributes have been paid to him on social media.
One stated: "John was a pillar, a character and a real all- round storyteller."
"He was a great character and will be sorely missed," another said.
John will repose in the Parke Community Centre this evening (Thursday) from 6 p.m. with removal at 8 p.m. to the Church of the Holy Family, Parke.
Requiem Mass takes place at 11 a.m. on Friday followed by burial in Parke Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.