Passing of one of Castlebar's best loved personalities, Leo O'Shaughnessy

The death has occurred of Leo O'Shaughnessy, Market Square, Castlebar, one of the town's best loved personalities.

In his late 80s, he was a former member of the clerical staff of the old Castlebar Bacon Factory and also worked at the former Hat Factory in the town.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Anna and Bridie.

A keen snooker player, he had a keen interest in horse race all his life. He was lifelong Pioneer and always had a kind word for everybody he met.

During the recent official opening of the newly-extended Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar, he addressed the attendance on behalf of the residents - praising the standard of the new facilities and the outstanding work of the staff.

Leo was widely known for keeping alive for over three decades an old Castlebar tradition of placing flowers on the thresholds of local homes and business on May Day every year.

He retired from this role in 2014 and wonderful images and footage of him completing his rounds were captured on the occasion by local cameraman Ger Staunton, a former neighbour.

Leo is deeply regretted by niece Elizabeth (UK), cousins, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

The remains will be removed from Coady's Funeral Home on Thursday at 11 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Burial takes place afterwards in the Old Cemetery, Castlebar.

Due to the HSE and government guidelines the funeral at all stages will be private for family only, house strictly private.

A tribute to Leo on the Love Castlebar Facebook page this afternoon reads: "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. To know Leo O'Shaughnessy was both to love him and be loved by him.

"The purest heart, he left us better than he found us. We will miss you greatly. Rest in peace, Leo."

The tribute quoted 'Epitaph on my own Friend' by Robert Burns.

An honest man here lies at rest,

The friend of man, the friend of truth,

The friend of age, and guide of youth:

Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd,

Few heads with knowledge so inform'd;

If there's another world, he lives in bliss;

If there is none, he made the best of this.