Mayo GAA community pays tribute to the late Sean Mitchell

The Mayo GAA community have paid tribute to Moygownagh GAA Club president and trustee Sean Mitchell who passed away peacefully last Friday.

Sean was instrumental in reforming the club in its current structure in the late 1970’s. Through the years, he held the roles of club treasurer and County and North Board delegate. Throughout the 1980’s and early 90’s, Sean served as both selector and manager with many of the club’s successful junior teams and also some of their underage grades.

Sean returned to Ireland from London in the early 1970s, and although a native of Sligo, both he and his dear wife, Judy (nee Moore, RIP) bought Commons' shop and settled in Moygownagh. Not long after, they started a travelling shop and acquired a pub licence for the premises which became very popular as a music and dancing venue. At the same time, they also developed a successful hardware shop and agricultural feedstore.

In a tribute on their social media page, Moygownagh GAA Club said: "Sean returned to Ireland from London in the early 1970s, and although a native of Sligo, both he and his dear wife, Judy (nee Moore, RIP) bought Commons' shop and settled in Moygownagh. Not long after, they started a travelling shop and acquired a pub licence for the premises which became very popular as a music and dancing venue. At the same time they also developed a successful hardware shop and agricultural feedstore.

"Sean and Judy's credentials as very astute and entrepreneurial business people were there from the offset. No matter what the customer wanted especially in terms of hardware etc, if Mitchells didn't have it, then they would order it for the next day. Sean was always looking towards the next sale to satisfy his customers.

"This thriving, well regarded business served a very large catchment in North Mayo, where long hours and honest hard work were the norm.

"Sean always had a keen interest in rural development generally and especially in Moygownagh, and this shone through in both club affairs and community initiatives.

"Developments that directly benefited from Sean's involvement included the street lighting of the village, social housing developments at Knockroe and several community amenities to mention but a few.

"Regarding his commitment to our Club, the evidence of this is very clear to be seen in developments such as Moygownagh GAA Community centre, playing field, viewing stand and childcare and education forum.

"In the 1980s Sean was a driving force behind our Mid Summer festivals and sports days which were in vogue during that period.

"Sean had a keen interest in the fortunes of the Mayo senior football team and travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting the cause. Croke Park visits and subsequent post match analysis were always relished by him. The Mitchell family continue to be some of this Club's most loyal sponsors and supporters.

"As a much respected member of our organisation and community for more than half a century, Sean or Shaney (as he was known in Sligo) has left lasting legacy of hard work and voluntary service to his community that will always be acknowledged and remembered."

Predeceased by his wife Judy, brother Paddy and sister Rita, Sean will be sadly missed by sons Richard and John, daughters Geraldine, Siobhan and Rachel, their spouses Fiona, Carmel, Evan, Declan and Paul. His grandchildren Sean, Niamh, Aine, Aoife, Eoin, Ryan, Elliott, Devin, Gregory, Julia, Hazel, Fin and Maeve. His sister Maura, brothers Tom, Noel, Brendan and Francis, their spouses and partner, sister in law Mary and brother in law Tommie, nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

Remains reposing at his home (F26N2W5) until 8pm this evening (Sunday) and on Monday from 2pm until 6pm. House private at all other times. 

Remains arriving at St. Cormac’s Church, Moygownagh on Monday at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am with burial afterwards in adjoining Cemetery.

Sean’s Funeral Mass can be viewed on www.churchtv.ie/moygownagh.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.