Mayo in mourning over passing of 'beautiful lady' Anne Fitzgerald

The death of Anne Fitzgerald (née Gavin), "The Lodge", Carrowholly, Westport, and formerly of Knockthomas, Castlebar, has evoked a tremendous sense of loss across west Mayo.

A much-loved and respected personality, she was involved in the bakery trade for many years through her family's former business, Gavin's Bakery.

She was also widely known as proprietor of Gavin's Cafe, Bridge Street, Westport for many years,

Anne was a former secretary of Castlebar Celtic Football Club and contributed to a number of key projects at Celtic Park.

In a tribute, the club stated: "Anne made a massive contribution to the development of our club.

"The Fitzgerald and Gavin families have a great association with Celtic.

"Anne’s sons Pat and Stephen were outstanding players and won many honours in the green and white, her brothers Paul and Henry were former players as where her nephews Colm, Shane and Fintan.

"Anne's sister Gemma was also involved with various Celtic committees.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace."

Many warm tributes are also being paid to Anne on social media where she was described as 'a vibrant, colourful and lovely person.'

"Anne was such a force of nature and her loss is immeasurable to her family," one stated.

"A beautiful lady," another tribute said.

Predeceased by her parents Jim and Delia Gavin (Castlebar), Anne will be sadly missed by her loving husband Frank, sons Patrick and Stephen, daughters-in-law Hope and Anya, grand-daughter Delilah, brothers Michael, Eugene, Paul, Gerard and Henry, sisters Mary Sullivan and Gemma Borotto, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunt Madeleine, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.

Her remains will be reposing at her residence on Monday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Requiem Mass takes place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Westport, with burial afterwards in Myna Cemetery.