Inishbiggle mourns one of its finest sons

An Inishbiggle Island man who was a well-known campaigner died tragically after a car crash on Friday evening.

The vehicle being driven by Christy Henry veered off the road and entered a lake at about 8.30pm.

The 61 year-old, who was the only occupant of the car was recovered from the water and pronounced dead a short time later.

Mr Henry's body was taken to the Mayo University Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem and Gardaí have issued a public appeal for information.

Mr Henry, like his now deceased parents Paddy and Brid, before him were well-known as campaigners who called for additional services for the island.

The population of Inishbiggle Island, which is accessible by ferry from Achill and Ballycroy, was 162 in 1926.

However, it had 12 residents at the time of the 2022 Census and has now just 11 following Friday's fatal crash.

Mr Henry was recently interviewed in August as part of a series on Ireland's islands by The Irish Times.

“We are just waiting for the island to die,” he said then. “The profile of the population tells its own story: there is only one resident now who is under 60.” He described how the death knell was when the school closed back in 1989. "Unless we get new blood and the school is reopened, it is just a matter of time," he added.

Mr Henry also featured in an RTÉ documentary in 1989 about emigration called The Parting.

He is being mourned by his sister Mary, who is based in London, his brother PJ in (Foxford) and the extended family.

There has been dozens of online tributes and condolences left by people sympathising with the family.

One friend said Mr Henry was a "great and friendly character a wonderful ambassador for his beloved island", while another described him as a friendly man who always took time for a chat.

Mr Henry's remains will repose at Lavelle's Funeral Home, Cashel on Tuesday from 5pm until 6.30pm with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Ballycroy for Funeral Mass at 12 noon.

Gardaí have asked that who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them at Westport Garda station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.