Warm tributes to former Mayo councillor on his passing

The death has occurred of Mr. Vinny Munnelly, The Acres, Killala.

The deceased served two consecutive terms on Mayo County Council as a Fine Gael elected representative for his area.

He was first elected in 1979 and was a member until 1991, having retained his seat in the 1985 local election.

A member the Mayo Committee of Agriculture for many years, he was father of serving Councillor Jarlath Munnelly.

Paying tribute to him today, former Mayo councillor and senator Ernie Caffrey, Ballina, described Vinny as 'a very sincere and genuine politician'.

Stated Ernie: "When he gave you his word on something, he was always true to it.

"Anybody who came to him with an issue or a problem, he was sure to act on it and get it resolved.

"Vinny was very conscientious when it came to representing those who elected him with total commitment and professionalism.

"I regarded him as a great friend and he canvassed with me during my senate campaign in 1991.

"I have very fond memories of him and was very sad when learning of his passing."

Mayo TD Michael Ring served with the late Mr. Munnelly on the council.

Paying tribute, he said: "Vinny was a great community man and I was privileged to work with him.

"His son, Jarlath, followed him into public life and he is also a hard worker for his community.

"I extend my deepest sympathy to the Munnelly family on their loss."

Senator Paddy Burke joined in the tributes to the deceased.

"We were both elected to Mayo County Council for the first time in 1979 and I found him to be a very effective representative for his area.

"He was also a prominent voice at party meetings, making his points very firmly and fairly," he stated.

Predeceased by his wife Mary (née Herbert), son Vincent, brothers George, Jack, Eamonn and Kevin and sister Joey, he is survived by his family Lorraine, Carole, David, Patricia, Enda and Jarlath, grandchildren Emma, Alva, Vincent, Roisin, Harry, Daniel, Hugh, Rory and Louis; daughters-in-law Siobhan, Clare, Sandra and Lisa, son-in-law Padraic, sisters Patsy (McDonnell) and Carmel (McNamara), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours, and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

His remains will be reposing at Lynn’s Funeral Home Killala tomorrow (Monday) evening from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m.

Requiem Mass takes place on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in St Patrick's Church, Killala ( for family, relatives and friends), followed by burial in Killala Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.