Death of passionate Mayo GAA man is widely mourned

The unexpected death of Seamus Marrinan, a passionate Mayo GAA and Castlebar Mitchels supporter over the past six decades, has cast a cloud of gloom over Castlebar.

Seamus, a native of Co. Clare and a former employee of the Department of Lands, is being recalled in online condolences as “kind-hearted," “friendly” and “one of life’s true gentlemen."

“He (Seamus) was a joy to know and meet," another condolence reads.

Predeceased in 2009 by his beloved wife, Carmel, Seamus had a multitude of friends whom he met regularly and discussed at length family and GAA matters.

The fortunes of Mayo GAA teams were always uppermost in Seamus’s heart.

On daily walks with friends and in various coffee houses around Castlebar he would discourse at length on the subject of Mayo football.

In an interview some years ago with The Connaught Telegraph, Seamus, a native of Turlough Road, recalled wonderful and treasured memories from his long involvement with Castlebar Mitchels Bord na Óg.

Seamus joined in 1986 when Jim McGovern was chairman. Frank McDonald followed Jim in the chair and then Seamus took over.

“It (Bord na Óg) was a privilege for me." Seamus told this newspaper.

“I got to see the enjoyment the players and their parents got out of being involved. There was always a wonderful community spirit there."

In a tribute to him, Mitchels legend Frank McDonald wrote: "Seamus was a good friend of mine and I will miss him greatly.

"Seamus was a past chairman of the Castlebar Mitchels Bord na Óg, a position he carried out with great care and consideration towards the youth of the Mitchels club.

"I sincerely offer my condolences to the Marrinan family on their sad loss and know that Seamus will rest in peace with God and his angels in Heaven."

The deceased also had a close association with Castlebar Concert Band.

Seamus, who was in his seventies, was predeceased by his loving wife Carmel and parents Joe and Mary.

He is deeply regretted by his heartbroken family,: Ciara (Griffin, Barna, Galway), Brendan (Luimnagh East, Galway), Siobhan (Rafter, Bonniconlon), Seamus (Dublin), Treasa (Farragher, Monivea, Galway), Cormac (Dublin) and Síle (Kinlan, Dublin), brother Pádraic (Dublin), sister Máire (Adams, Tullamore, Co. Offaly), sons-in-law Gavin, James, Tommy and David, daughter-in-law Catriona, adored grandchildren Caoimhe, Eoghan, Seosamh, Shane, Bláithín, Aoife, Erin, Liam, James, Róise, Cathal and Aran, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.

Seamus will repose in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m.

Funeral cortége will arrive at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Thursday morning at 10.45 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m.

Seamus will be laid to rest afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.