Mayo community mourns death of former rugby star

The death has occurred of Michéal (Mick) Brady, Curragh, Castlebar, and formerly of Newport Road, Castlebar.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Kathleen and sister Kathleen, news of his passing has evoked a huge sense of loss in the community at large.

Aged 58, he worked in the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Shop, located off SuperValu car park, in the county town for the past number of years and was held in very high regard by the organisation as "a true gentleman who was loved by all."

A tribute posted by the shop stated: "He was a wonderful volunteer who gave time and commitment to the Hospice for almost 10 years. He will be missed by all his friends."

Previously, he had been a valued member of the staff of local construction firm, Mountain View Securities, during a time when the company undertook many major building projects in the locality.

In his youth he was an accomplished rugby player.

A tribute to him by Castlebar Rugby Club stated: "He will be sadly missed by all his friends at the club.

"Mick was a gifted out-half in the 1980s and 1990s, a great clubman who loved the game. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

He was a member of the club side that travelled to play in Castlebar's twin town of Auray, Brittany, in 1985 under the captaincy of George O'Malley.

Described as a player of substance and guile who was "a handful for any opponent," he developed strong friendships during his time in the sport and enjoyed great success at Under-20 level under the guidance of the late Tommy Staunton.

A number of years ago he organised a reunion of members of that squad and it proved hugely successful.

He spent number of years in England and worked as manager of Brady's Irish House in Balls Pond Road, London, a widely known and successful licensed premises.

Mick is survived by his daughters Leah and Isla and their mother Jackie, sisters Eilish (Hertfordshire, England) and Maírín (Sligo), brother Paraic (Clonmel), sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nephew, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

His remains will be reposing in Coady's Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 p.m. with removal at 7.30 p.m. to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Funeral Mass takes place on Thursday at 11.30 a.m prior to burial in the Old Cemetery, Castlebar.