Anniversary tribute to a sorely missed Castlebar Tidy Towns volunteer
Castlebar Tidy Towns has paid a special tribute to former member, Micheál Mullahy, on the 10th anniversary of his death.
Written by Joe Butler and posted on the organisation's Facebook page, it stated: "It is appropriate once again that we recognise the input and value that Micheál contributed to the formation and development of our group in the initial years.
"Micheál joined Castlebar Tidy Towns at its inception 1994/1995 and became an enthusiastic member of the group by providing much needed sponsorship in the early days through Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Castlebar.
"That was not enough for Micheál as he wanted to help out by actively participating in work programmes and events. This he did with great gusto and passion.
"Micheál had a great ability with forming good relationships with people and he used this skill on many occasions to develop a great bond between the Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee and the various residential groups that he had a deep and special interest in.
"As part of his work with Tidy Towns he presented the SuperValu Perpetual Trophy each year to the winning housing estate at the annual awards ceremony.
"Micheál actively participated in many other Tidy Towns projects throughout the years such as the Clean Environment campaign, Lough Lannagh Enhancement Scheme for Green Town 2000, Schools Poster Campaign/Competition and Market Square Enhancement project.
"During the course of our many meetings Micheál had a great ability to listen to what people were saying and would invariably stay quiet until the appropriate time to offer his contribution and he would then summarise the subject debated and would offer an immediate solution to everyone’s satisfaction.
"Needless to say, Micheál would throw in a quip or two in mid-course just to check and see if everyone was listening.
"His sense of humour was always evident at our meetings and always insisted on the cup of tea at the end of the meeting to maintain the social aspect of our group.
"Micheál brought a vast knowledge to our group and a profound sense of pride of place.
"He always presented himself in an impeccable manner and was most respectful of people from all walks of life.
"He was first and foremost a great family man; married to his beautiful wife Cathy and his darling two daughters Emma and Eva.
"He was an excellent Gaelic footballer and won an All-Ireland Minor medal along with his many successes with Castlebar Mitchels.
"He is sorely missed by his mother Ena, sisters Dolores, Mary and Carmel and brothers Sean, Ger and Kevin, together with his greater family and friends within the community.
"We know that his family would be so proud of his achievements, and he will be forever remembered by his colleagues (past and present) from the Castlebar Tidy Towns which he did so much to enrich and nourish during his time with us.
"Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."