Death of legendary Mayo barman

THE death has occurred of a legendary barman of yesteryear in Castlebar, the late Joe Geraghty.

Joe worked in the Sunflower Bar in the 1970s when it was owned by Padraig Flynn, who later became a TD, Government Minister and EU Commissioner.

Previously he worked in the Welcome Inn Hotel. Towards the end of his bartending career, he worked in Jack Reilly's Bar (now Cosgrove's) in Spencer Street.

Joe was widely renowned and regarded for his unsurpassed ability to deal with large numbers of customers with the greatest of ease, courtesy and efficiency.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Damien and Declan, daughters Sinead and Regina, grandchildren Caoimhe and Rian, brother Dick, sister Nell, daughters in law, sons in law, as well as other family and friends.

His remains will repose at Coady's Funeral Home, Linenhall Street, on Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. prior to removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Burial takes place on Friday to Ballyheane Cemetery following 11 a.m. Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul.