Tribute paid to north Mayo GAA stalwart Sean Mitchell

WARM tributes have been paid to Moygownagh GAA Club president and trustee Sean Mitchell, who died on Friday.

A true club and community man, his legacy and positive impact in the north Mayo area will be long remembered.

Moygownagh GAA Club paid warm tribute online to Sean, who was instrumental in reforming the club in its current structure in the late 1970s and who, down through the years, held the roles of club treasurer, divisional and county board delegate.

Throughout the 1980s and early '90s, Sean served as both selector and manager with many of the club's successful junior teams and also some underage grades.

The tribute recalled: 'Sean returned to Ireland from London in the early 1970s, and although a native of Sligo, both he and his dear wife Judy (nee Moore, RIP) bought Commons' shop and settled in Moygownagh. Not long after, they started a travelling shop and acquired a pub licence for the premises which became very popular as a music and dancing venue. At the same time they also developed a successful hardware shop and agricultural feedstore.

'Sean and Judy's credentials as very astute and entrepreneurial business people were there from the offset. No matter what the customer wanted especially in terms of hardware, etc., if Mitchells didn't have it, then they would order it for the next day. Sean was always looking towards the next sale to satisfy his customers.

'This thriving, well regarded business served a very large catchment in north Mayo, where long hours and honest hard work were the norm.

'Sean always had a keen interest in rural development generally and especially in Moygownagh, and this shone through in both club affairs and community initiatives.

'Developments that directly benefited from Sean's involvement included the street lighting of the village, social housing developments at Knockroe and several community amenities, to mention but a few.

'Regarding his commitment to our club, the evidence of this is very clear to be seen in developments such as Moygownagh GAA Community Centre, playing field, viewing stand and childcare and education forum.

'In the 1980s Sean was a driving force behind our mid summer festivals and sports days which were in vogue during that period.

'Sean had a keen interest in the fortunes of the Mayo senior football team and travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting the cause. Croke Park visits and subsequent post match analysis were always relished by him. The Mitchell family continue to be some of this club's most loyal sponsors and supporters.

'As a much respected member of our organisation and community for more than half a century, Sean or Shaney (as he was known in Sligo) has left lasting legacy of hard work and voluntary service to his community that will always be acknowledged and remembered.'

Sean was predeceased by his wife Judy, brother Paddy and sister Rita.

He is sadly missed by children Richard, John, Geraldine, Siobhan and Rachel, their spouses Fiona, Carmel, Evan, Declan and Paul, grandchildren Sean, Niamh, Aine, Aoife, Eoin, Ryan, Elliott, Devin, Gregory, Julia, Hazel, Finn and Maeve, sister Maura, brothers Tom, Noel, Brendan and Francis, extended family and friends.

Remains will arrive at St. Cormac’s Church, Moygownagh, tomorrow (Monday) at 7 p.m. Following Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11 a.m. he will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.