Mayo parish plunged into sadness by death of a great community man

The death has occurred of Micksey Clarke, Bohola.

A widely known and respected publican, he died peacefully earlier today after a short illness.

A former Mayo GAA star, he was held in high esteem throughout the county and news of his passing has plunged the community into sadness.

Predeceased by his wife Marion and brother PJ, he is sadly missed by his sons Pat and Brendan, daughters Susan Heneghan (Breaffy) and Caroline (Dublin), brothers Fr. Harry (Canada) and Brendan (Tenerife), sister Mary Flanagan (Roscommon), son-in-law Tom, daughters-in-laws Annette and Colleen, grandchildren, Stephen, Shane, Ronan, Rachel, Anna, Louis and Eva, brother-in law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Clarke family on their loss.

In a tribute, Mayo GAA stated: Micksey won a number of county senior titles playing with Castlebar Mitchels between 1962- and970 and he also a county senior Title playing with East Mayo in 1967.

"The same year he won a county junior title playing with Kiltimagh. Micksey won an East Mayo junior title with Ballyvary and in 1974 he won an East Mayo junior title with the newly formed club in Bohola in 1974.

"He won a county senior league medal playing with Bohola/Moy Davitts in 1978. Micksey was on the St. Nathy’s College team that reached the All-Ireland Senior Colleges Final in the late 1950’s.

"He represented Mayo at minor and senior level in the 1960’s. Micksey is the father of Mayo minor selector Pat Clarke and grandfather of Ronan Clarke, who played in the All Ireland final for Mayo in 2022."

Many warm tributes are being paid to the deceased on social media.

One stated: "He will be sadly missed as he was a central figure in the village."

Another said: "I have great memories of this gentleman."

Reposing at the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola on Sunday evening from 4 to 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass takes place on Monday at 2 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph, Bohola, with burial afterwards in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Bohola.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.