Funeral arrangements for Stephen Connolly announced
THE funeral arrangements have been announced for Stephen Connolly, Killard, Turlough, Castlebar, and late of Pontoon Lodge, Pontoon, Foxford.
The deceased, a widely popular personality, was a former manager and director of The Connaught Telegraph and news of his passing yesterday evoked a sense of huge loss and sorrow in the community at large.
He is survived by his wife Siobhán, father Dr. John, brothers Diarmuid and Padraig (Pat), sister Niamh, sisters-in-law Marian, Jacqueline, Elaine, Davnet and Fiona, uncles Sam and David, aunts Hazel and Irene, nieces Sadhbh, Carys and Clíodhna, nephews Finnan, J.J., Cian and Séan, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty.
His remains will be reposing at the Coady Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Thursday evening from 5 o'clock with removal at 7 o'clock to his residence.
Removal on Friday morning at 10 o’clock to the Church of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Requiem Mass at 11 o’clock, with burial afterwards in Turlough Cemetery.
In a tribute to to the deceased, Frank Mulrennan, chief executive officer, Celtic Media Group, proprietors of The Connaught Telegraph, said it with great shock that he learned of the passing of Stephen Connolly.
Stated Mr. Mulrennan: 'Stephen was an absolute gentleman and recognised as such throughout the local newspaper industry.
'I first got to really know Stephen when Celtic Media Group began to partner with The Connaught Telegraph in terms of providing print and other services to his newspaper.
'Over the following years, I saw how steadfastly he grappled with the challenges of running a business in a very difficult economy and of keeping jobs within his Castlebar base. He was desperately loyal to his paper and those who read it and worked within it.
'Three years ago, he underwent the trauma of The Connaught going into liquidation but I know how much he, and his Dad, Dr. John Connolly, wanted our company to succeed in rescuing The Connaught and protecting the jobs of people there.
'It is so sad that Stephen and his family have had to ensure an even bigger challenge and trauma through his ill-health. That he was out with his family in Castlebar as recently as last weekend tells the story of how bravely he fought that challenge.
'The board of Celtic Media Group joins with our colleagues in The Connaught Telegraph in extending our sympathies to Siobhán, Dr. John, Diarmuid, Pat, Niamh and extended family.
'Ar Dheis De go raibh a Ainm.'