Mayo mourns passing of renowned building contractor
The late Sean McDonnell. The Castlebar building contractor was renowned for the quality of his work and was a hugely popular figure in his community.
Mayo and Castlebar is mourning the loss of the hugely popular and respected building contractor Sean McDonnell.
Sean, aged 76, of Annabree, Spencer Park, Castlebar, and formerly of Annagh, Islandeady, passed away at University Hospital Galway on Friday following a brief illness.
A devoted husband to his beloved wife Maureen, Sean was a caring father of nine and doting grandfather to 15.
He was a leading figure in the building industry in the region for many years. The son of a builder, Sean started his own business in 1977. Renowned for his honesty and ingenuity, his signature is literally on a number of prominent building developments across the region.
He took immense pride in his work and would sign his name and the date on any project, no matter how big or small, he was involved with.
Sean oversaw numerous major housing developments in Mayo, while other projects included the Motor Tax Office, the Castlebar Regional Training Centre, and works on scores of businesses, bars and school redevelopments.
A talented runner, Sean completed over 20 marathons, including New York, Boston, and London.
A member of Balla Golf Club, Sean was known for his warm smile, hearty laugh and kind and generous nature.
Sean and his restored Honda 50 were a popular fixture in recent St Patrick’s Day parades. His daring spirit once saw him take the bike across the length of a frozen Lough Lannagh.
Sean will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family. He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen and nine children, Sandra, Sinéad, Noel, Patricia, Seanie, Maria, Joanne, Joseph, and Sheelagh, and his 15 adored grandchildren, Keira, Erin, Sean, Trinity, Cole, Rory, James, Dara, JJ, Sammy, Lusia, Katie, Christopher, Jodie, and his special beloved Lauren.
He will be sadly missed by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, his sisters Kathleen and Pauline, and brother Jimmy.
Sean was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Delia (Bertie), his sister Marion, and brother Billy.
Reposal takes place at Coady’s funeral home this evening (Monday) from 5pm to 7pm with removal to his home. Funeral Mass will be held tomorrow at 11am in St Patrick's Church Islandeady, followed by burial in Islandeady cemetery.
