Ballina and Enniscrone mourning the passing of the much-loved Frank Melia
The late Frank Melia was a hugely talented boxer who won a number of national titles.
Ballina and Enniscrone are mourning the loss of Frank Melia.
Frank, of Pier Road Enniscrone, and formerly Fenian Row, Ballina, was laid to rest on Friday following a long battle with illness.
A hugely talented sportsman, Frank excelled on the basketball court, the football field, and particularly in the boxing ring.
An Ardnaree Boxing Club legend, Frank was teak-tough as a boxer and married skill and aggression to capture three national titles in his youth.
A hugely popular character in his adopted home of Enniscrone, and his native Ballina, Frank previously worked as a fitter in Hollister before moving into painting and decorating, where his sharp wit was always a hit with customers.
A talented singer, Frank’s funeral mass in Enniscrone heard that he was part of the ‘Three Amigos’ alongside Georgie and Tommy Battle where the trio would entertain in Tom’s Top Ten in Enniscrone. His presence, sense of fun, and singing talents would light up a room.
The mass heard of Frank’s love for his family and friends and he remained deeply connected to his hometown of Ballina.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Alice, and brother Stephen. He was a devoted husband to Caroline and loving father of Adrian and Paul. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, brothers PJ, Dermott, John and Martin, sister Kitty Cotter, Adrian’s partner Lisa, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.
There were many online tributes to Frank following the news of his passing.
"One of a kind and a brilliant sports man. Frank was an outstanding boxer back in the day with Ardnaree BC and in my opinion up there with the best," read one message of sympathy. "A gentleman with a great sense of humour," stated another. "A great singer was always the life and soul of the party," said a message of condolence.
