Passing of popular retired Mayo school teacher Benny Martin

The death of Benny (Joseph) Martin, 24 Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, is deeply mourned in the community.

The deceased was a retired headmaster at Derrywash National School, Castlebar, where he was held in high regard by his pupils as a kind, sincere and enthusiastic teacher.

Widely popular in the community, he was actively involved in the Castlebar St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the INTO and Castlebar Athletics Club for many years.

A member of an old and respected local family hailing from Tucker Street, many warm tributes have been paid to him on the condolences page of the death notices website RIP.ie.

He is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife of 59 years, Marion, son Declan, daughters Áine, Fiona and Sinéad, sisters Pauline (Moate) and Monica (USA) and brother Micheal (Aughagower), daughter-in-law Siobhan, sons-in-law Pat, Alberto and Niall, grandchildren Finnian, Stephen, Deirdre, Tommy, Giorgia, Elena, Joe and Shay, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Benny was predeceased by his sisters Teresa, Mary and brother Seamus, his parents Margaret (Má) and James Martin.

Paying tribute to the deceased local Councillor Ger Deere said as a former school teacher at Derrywash National School, Benny guided and tutored hundreds of younger students over many years.

In his later years, he loved to hear about the successes and achievements of his former pupils.

Councillor Deere said he had the pleasure of knowing and being a friend of Benny for four decades.

“I knew Benny through our joined participation in a number of community groups, including the annual organising of the Castlebar St Patrick’s Day Parade, where Benny was one of the chief organisers.

"Benny was a great mentor of mine in the Fine Gael party and was always available to offer me solid advice and assistance.

"Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a Hanam."

Remains reposing at Coady’s Funeral Home this Thursday at 5 p.m. with removal at 7 p.m. to his residence in Rathbawn Road.

Removal from his residence on Friday morning at 10.30 a.m. for Funeral Mass at 11.30 a.m. in the Church of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

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