Mayo mourns passing of a legendary sportsman

THE death has taken place of Mickey Palmer, St. Patrick's Terrace, Quay Road, Westport.

Predeceased by his wife Mary, he is sadly missed by his daughter Patricia and her partner Dave, son Willie and grandchildren Ethan and Jenna, sister-in-law Margaret, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Mickey was one of Ireland’s leading cyclists in the 1950s and 1960s, and also played soccer with Westport Town.

He was the 50 mile National Time Trial Champion in 1956 and entered the RÁS a number of times in the 1950s.

Aged 90, Mickey worked as a fitter with Mayo County Council and the Western Health Board.

Ray Kennedy, Mill Street, Westport, wrote Mickey Palmer’s life story, 'Woollen Jerseys ’an Whiskey Legs', some years ago.

A Private Funeral Service took place this morning in Holy Trinity Church, Westport, with burial afterwards in Aughavale Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.