Passing of Castlebar Celtic legend Jeff Redmond is deeply regretted
The death has taken place of Jeff Redmond, Springfield, Moneen, and late of McHale Road, Castlebar.
He died peacefully yesterday surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of the staff in Ross Suite, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar.
The news has evoked an immense sense of sorrow and loss in the community where he was held in such high regard.
A member of one of Castlebar's best-known sporting families, he played with distinction for his beloved Castlebar Celtic throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
He also starred for Mayo in the Oscar Traynor Cup for a number of seasons.
Jeff was a member of the great Celtic side that captured the Connaught Cup in May, 1964, a team that also included his brother Andy, Niall McCarron, Dessie Ainsworth, Liam Keane, Jimmy Devaney, Frank Roache, Vincent Feeney, Joe Feeney, Michael Neary and Dan McCaffrey.
He was widely regarded as one of the most skilful players to don the club's green and white hoops.
When he retired from playing, he remained actively involved in the club for many years as a coach and official.
In a social media post, Castlebar Celtic said its members were saddened by the news of Jeff's passing.
"We send sincere condolences to his wife Joan, sons Barry, Jeffrey and Colin, daughter Tracy and brother Joe. May he rest in peace," the post added.
Jeff was a former member of the printing staff of The Connaught Telegraph and was accomplished at repairing machines whenever they broke down, which they did regularly.
He subsequently took up a position with Berry's Printing, Westport, where he also played a central role in a busy operation.
Jeff worked for many years at the Travellers Friend Hotel and was a friendly face at the door of the former Copa's Night Club.
He always enjoyed debating about football issues that occurred both on and off the field of play.
Most of all, he was a wonderful family man and he will be dearly missed by everybody who knew and loved him.
He is deeply regretted by his loving wife Joan, sons Barry, Jeffrey and Colin, daughter Tracy, brother Ecy (Joe), daughters-in-law Kathleen, Nora and Helen, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents Joe and Catherine, brothers Vinnie, Andy and Aiden, and sisters Sr. Josephine and Ena O’Donnell.
His remains will repose at his residence (F23 H84) on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. (House private please at all other times).
Removal on Sunday morning at 11 a.m to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon (via McHale Road).
Jeff will be laid to rest afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.