Late Moygownagh community leader Sean Mitchell fondly remembered
Sean Mitchell (RIP) was fondly remembered by councillors in the Ballina area at last week's Municipal District meeting
Warm tributes have been paid by councillors in the Ballina Municipal District to the late Sean Mitchell of Moygownagh.
Mr Mitchell was a well-regarded figure in Moygownagh, where he ran a local pub, hardware store and agricultural feedstore for almost half a century.
Mr Mitchell led the community in many initiatives and was involved with the local GAA club in various roles for over 40 years.
At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Ballina MD, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly led the tributes to the late Sean Mitchell.
“He was a great community man. Every positive development in Moygownagh, he was involved in it or was behind it," he said.
Cllr Annie-May Reape paid tribute to a “lovely, lovely man".
“Sean Mitchell was one of the best community people. He did a lot but he also did a lot quietly. He was a lovely, lovely man,” she said.
Cllr Michael Loftus said the community’s affection for Mr Mitchell was evident by the large crowds who turned out for his funeral last Sunday and Monday despite the inclement weather conditions.
“Sean arrived in Moygownagh from London with his wife Judy, who was native to the area, and he really got stuck into the community and making it a better place," said Cllr Loftus. "I want to offer my condolences to Sean’s family, it is a very sad loss.”
Tributes were also paid to the late Anne Murphy of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which is a twin city of Ballina. Ms Murphy, whose family came from Youghal, Co Cork, played a role in the Pittsfield twinning committee.
“Anne Murphy was a great character and she contributed so much to the Irish community in Pittsfield, she was so proud of her Irish connections,” said Cllr Mark Duffy.
Votes of sympathy were also extended to the family and friends of Henry Wills, Ballina, Barry Walsh, Ballina/Mulranny, Teresa McCarthy, Claremorris and Pat McCarthy, Ballina.
