Mayo town mourns passing of iconic figure

Michael J Reidy, who died last week, was a Claremorris icon. He was one of the town’s oldest and most respected citizens. 

He grew up on Mount Street, the son of a Tipperary man who originally ran a shop on James’ Street in the 1920s. Eventually, the family expanded into a garage and motor business on Mount Street, where Michael developed a lifelong passion for machines and engineering.

In the mid-1940s, he was among the first group of boys to attend St Colman’s College, later continuing his education at university where he studied engineering. 

During the 1960s and '70s, Michael and his wife Carmel raised their young family on Main Street. At that time, Reidy’s Electrical shop was a bustling business, while Michael operated his architectural and engineering offices above. It was there that he designed many of the buildings still seen in Claremorris, including the ‘new’ Town Hall, a project he was particularly proud of. He also designed a new family home in Brookhill, where they moved in the 1970s.

For many years, Michael served as Secretary of the Town Hall Management Committee, including during the showband days, when the hall was a very popular dance hall. Much of the revenue raised during this period, was reinvested in the community, funding projects such as a new athletic track, an indoor handball alley, a swimming pool, and other vital initiatives. A passionate supporter of the Claremorris Drama Festival, Michael took great joy in its success, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the country year after year.

Throughout his life, Michael played a key role in the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Chamber and played a vital role in supporting and strengthening the local business community throughout his career. He helped to drive numerous important developments in the town, including the establishment of the Claremorris Industrial Estate in 1969-70, which created many local jobs during a time of limited employment.

A man deeply interested in local history, Michael spent years researching Claremorris and, in 2006, published ‘Claremorris in Retrospection’, a detailed collection of historical insights and photographs of the town. In 2011, he followed this with ‘On the Banks of the Robe River’, a comprehensive history and guide to the local river, including technical diagrams and historical images. All proceeds from these publications were donated to local charities. As Secretary of the Claremorris Historical Society, Michael’s legacy continues through his daughter Adrianne, who has upheld his dedication to preserving the town’s history.

The last lengthy conversation I had with Michael, was when I sat at his fireside, recording material for an RTÉ Radio One, ‘Doc on One’ programme, entitled ‘Dancing Nancy’, on the bombing, on two occasions, of Claremorris Town Hall. Michael was in great form, regaling me with stories of the event. 

“It was well-built, John, it was well built,” he said, a modesty in his voice masking his great pride in the structure he had designed, and its success. 

Michael had a great sense of humour and a great wit. He was always immaculately presented, with his pristine shirts and colourful ties. In his later years, he was lovingly and unselfishly looked after so well by his daughter Adrianne.

Michael died peacefully at his home in Brookhill, Claremorris, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife Carmel and will be sadly missed by his sons Declan, Bryan, Kieran and Ronan, daughters Adrianne, Anne and Grainne, daughters-in-law Gail, Michelle, Suzanne and Rose, son-in-law Ian, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Michael’s remains reposed at his home on Sunday, April 6th, with removal on Monday to St Colman’s Church for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in St Colman’s cemetery. 

May he rest in peace.

- J.C.