West Mayo community mourns passing of Paddy Mitchell

The death of Patrick (Paddy) Mitchell, Cortoonduff, Islandeady, and late of Derrycoosh, Islandeady, and McHale Road, Castlebar, is widely mourned.

He died peacefully yesterday at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his family.

A long-serving member of ONE, Organisation of National Ex. service personnel, he will be fondly remembered by everybody who knew and respected him.

He is deeply regretted by daughters Angelique and Dawn, son Gary and their mother Mary, son-in-law Nick, daughter-in-law Helen, Dawn’s partner Jason, grandchildren Jacob, Aoife, Dael, Jack, Angelina, Jonah, Iyanu, Leo and Jesse, relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues in the ONE, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Paddy was predeceased by his parents Catherine and John and grandsons Ben and Noah.

Warm tributes are being paid to him on social media.

A tribute on the What On In Islandeady Facebook page stated: "As we remember Paddy and acknowledge his contribution to his family, to his military employment, to his community and to the church in Islandeady, we recall a well spoken, kind, generous man who gave generously and set his own pace.

"From stories Paddy told over the year's, he enjoyed his time in the armed forces and served on active duties abroad in countries trying to establish peace and democratic stability.

"Paddy in later years would always be seen around Westport and Castlebar on streets collecting for the retired service men and holding church gate collections for the retired service men as it meant a lot to Paddy and to give back to the people who trained him and gave him a good grounding in his early years.

"In later year's after he retired from the armed forces, he did security in Allergan in Westport and retired from that position a number of years ago.

"In his retirement he gave his time generously to Islandeady Church, assisting with the day to day duties in a vibrant church.

"Paddy would be seen regularly cutting the grass, putting out the offertory baskets, lighting candles, checking the sound systems, ringing the bell, stewarding and cleaning the church after the many sacraments. He was always reliable and enjoyed giving his time in the service of others.

"Paddy was well versed in many languages and could speak Latin fluently.

"Occasionally hard of hearing, it was a great 'get out of jail' card to use for not working in big groups and committees.

"Paddy preferred working with one or two others as he believed less people got more done and the team of John, JP, Natt and Paddy, inside and outside Islandeady Church, have kept it warm and welcoming over the last few years. Dad's Army or Paddy's Army, we never knew the difference...!!

"Paddy is now gone and we remember the gentle, kind, generous person he was. We are sure he will be on active duty in heaven keeping the saint's in check and keeping the sacristy in heaven in order just as he did in Islandeady Church.

"Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."

Paddy will repose in St. Aidan’s Room, Islandeady, on Tuesday from 5.30 p.m. with removal at 7 pm to the adjoining Church, St. Patrick’s, Islandeady.

Requiem Mass takes on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. followed by burial afterwards in Islandeady Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.