Warm tributes paid on passing of Mayo publican
WARM tributes are being paid to Brendan Maloney, proprietor of the Copper Beech pub in Straide, who has died.
A man of legendary good humour, Brendan had a heart of gold and his commitment to the local community will be sorely missed.
Local groups have been paying tribute on their social media to a man who was at the heart of the community.
The Michael Davitt Museum paid the following tribute: 'The Michael Davitt Museum committee, management and staff are shocked and saddened to hear the heart-breaking news of the passing of our beloved chairman, Mr. Brendan Maloney.
'Brendan was an incredible, industrious shining light in our community for many years and epitomised all that is great about the parish of Straide. He will be sadly missed by the many people who knew him, and were proud to call him their friend.
'We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Brendan's family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'
The Straide Community Facebook page recalled how from Brendan taking over the Copper Beech 'he became more of a Straide person than the Straide people themselves'.
'His good humour and his seamless integration into the community of Straide endeared him to all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.
'Any community event, Brendan was there to lend a hand and support in any way.
'We will miss his warm welcome and his laugh from the bar of the Copper. Our community's heart is heavy tonight.
'We offer our deepest sympathies to his beloved family and to all his many friends, especially his Straide family of friends. You will be missed dear Brendan - thank you for the memories.'
Straide & Foxford United AFC, in a tribute, said that Straide had lost one of her most loved sons, 'not Straide by birth but Straide by heart'.
'From Brendan Maloney's arrival in Straide 18 years ago, he has shown nothing but unwavering support to Straide and Foxford United AFC.
'Brendan supported us in every way possible. From sponsorship to sandwiches, cup success to cup commiserations, promotions and relegations. Brendan was there for it all. No stranger to the sideline at Green Road or Milebush for the big days. And in recent years Milebush to watch the masters team, to offer advice and encouragement to certain players.
'Brendan, you will be missed beyond words. We will miss your smile and hearty laugh behind the bar of The Copper.
'Thank you for your support to us but most of all thank you for your friendship.
'We offer our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to your beloved family, to your many friends and we especially think of your Straide family of friends.'
Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Mary, he is deeply regretted by his loving family: sister Veronica, brother Ollie, niece Aoife, nephews Neil, Enda and Eric, sister-in-law Maura, uncle William, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Reposing at Glynn's Funeral Home, High Street, Tuam (H54 VC53), on Sunday from 4.30 to 7 p.m. followed by removal to St. Conleth's Church, Kilconly (H54 TH76).
Funeral Mass takes place on Monday at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilconly Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.