Mayo mourns the loss of the inspirational Ann Garavan

Castlebar is mourning the loss of an ‘inspirational lady’ who was one of the town’s best loved personalities.

Ann Garavan (née Mahony), Pontoon Road, Castlebar, and formerly of Glasnevin, Dublin, passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the Mayo Hospice.

Ann was synonymous with Castlebar Tennis Club. It was her love of the sport which brought her to Castlebar for the first time and she became a leading light in the club, garnering numerous national and provincial accolades as a player.

Her warm smile and cheery attitude illuminated Castlebar as she breezed through the town on her bicycle.

She also lit up the stage as a member of the former Castle Players and was a keen writer and gardener.

Numerous tributes were paid to Ann online following the news of her passing.

She was a lovely person, full of life and brought joy and happiness to everyone she met,” stated one message of sympathy.

“What an inspirational lady,” read another.

Ann was predeceased by her loving husband John, daughters Ruth, Paula and Mary-Olivia, parents Gerard and Maureen, brothers Ger and Donald and her twin sister Joan.

She is deeply regretted by her loving family: sons Mark (Westport) and his wife Pauline, Eoin (Breaffy) and his wife Theresa, Hugh (Vermont, USA) and his wife Michelle, daughter Jeananne Rogers (Islandeady) and her husband Eddie, grandchildren Eve, Stephen, Sarah, James, Grace, Sophia and Niamh, sister-in-law Toni Garavan, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Ann will repose at Coady's Funeral Home, Castlebar, tomorrow (Wednesday) Wednesday from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Requiem Mass takes place on Thursday at 11am with burial afterwards in the Old Cemetery.