Death of widely-respected Mayo chef Ray O'Neill

The death of Ray O’Neill, Patrician Park, Castlebar, and late of Newry, Co. Down, has evoked a huge sense of loss in the community.

He died peacefully yesterday in the loving care of the staff at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.

An affable and popular personality, he will be fondly remembered from his many years working as a chef in the Welcome Inn Hotel (now the Ivy Tower Hotel).

He also served as a chef in the Travellers Friend Hotel for some time and was a leading figure in the Chef of Mayo group.

Ray was a member of the Mayo Branch of the Celtic FC Supporters Club and he travelled regularly to matches at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

He is deeply regretted by his loving wife Aine (née Hynes), daughters Sinead, Roisín and Niamh, son Eoin, sons-in-law Mike, Michael and Paddy, Eoin’s fiancée Aoife, grandchildren Darragh, Ethan, Caitlin and Cillian, his sister Cara, brother Gary, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Remains reposing at his residence on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m., with house private thereafter.

Removal from his residence on Monday at 12 noon, for Funeral Mass at 12.30 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Ray will be laid to rest afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.