Achill mourns passing of Mattie Stafford

ACHILL Island has been plunged into mourning following the death of Mattie Stafford, Slievemore.

Mattie was synonymous as a former crewman with the local RNLI lifeboat service, with which he was emergency Coxwain and also current deputy launching authority.

A warm tribute was paid to him on the Achill Island Lifeboat Facebook page:

“Mattie brought his many skills and ability not least in the fields of seamanship and mechanics to the Achill Island Lifeboat over many long years. There were few problems on land or on sea that would get the better of Mattie.

“He will also be greatly missed by the fishing community, especially around Purteen Harbour where Mattie was for many years the ‘go to’ man to quickly sort a problem and get you to sea.

“As a long standing and experienced crewman and Coxwain, he was generous with his time and advice to new crew and his advice was always welcomed and valued on the lifeboat in difficult situations on many occasions.

“The photo shows Mattie being awarded the RNLI Long Service Medal following his 20 years on the crew.

“On his retirement from the crew, he took on the roles of deputy launching authority and on the station operations team. We will miss his advice, experience and camaraderie and the Achill Island Lifeboat family will be the poorer for his untimely passing.

“To his wife Kathleen, his children Jacinta, Matthew, Caitriona and Genevieve and his extended family, we offer our support and deepest sympathy. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm cinealta.”

Mattie Stafford is reposing at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Achill Sound, this afternoon, with removal at 6.30 p.m. to St. Patrick’s Church, Pollagh, arriving at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass is on tomorrow (Monday) at 12 noon, followed by burial in Slievemore Cemetery.

Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the RNLI or St. Colman’s Day Care Centre, Keel.