Champion Mayo handballer and devoted family man mourned
THE late Val Conroy, who has died, is being warmly remembered as a great sportsperson and devoted family man.
Val, of 'Locodegi', Fortfield, Castlebar, and formerly of Clooncan, Hollymount, died peacefully at Hollymount Private Nursing and Retirement Home.
Val worked in the construction industry all his life, where he was a respected figure.
He had a great interest in all sport and in particular handball, winning three All-Ireland Handball Championships with Mayo and Connaught. His success and contribution to sport was acknowledged when he was awarded the Mayo Sports Person of the Year by the Western People.
His heart, however, was always at home with his beloved wife of 58 years, Christine, to whom he was devoted.
He took a great interest in the achievements of his children and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Online tributes have recalled a man who was always a gentleman, with a great sense of humour and a good neighbour.
Val was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Sabina (née Keaveney, Ballintubber) Conroy and his brother Gerard.
He will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken wife, Christine (née Guilfoyle, Mayo Abbey), daughter Louise Cooper and her husband Gerard (Manchester), son Colin and his partner Leons (New York), daughter Debra Malone and her husband Eddie (Keelogues, Islandeady), daughter Gillian and her partner Stephen (Castlebar), his cherished grandchildren Lisa, Nicole, Lee, Jack, Amanda, Brandon and Tiegan, great-grandchildren Emily, Mia, Óisin, Odette, Harriett, Katie, Zoe and Robbie, his sisters Teresa Sullivan (Leeds), Gaye Dempsey (Carlow), Carmel Egan (Clooncan) and Anne Stewart (Sligo), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, much loved nephews and nieces, his adored godchildren Linda Dempsey (Carlow), Frankie Murphy (Fortfield), Robert Vahey (Robeen), cousins, relatives and many friends, to whom sympathy is extended on their loss.
Val will repose at his home, 'Locodegi', Fortfield, Castlebar, on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Removal on Wednesday morning to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for funeral Mass at 11.30 a.m., with funeral afterwards to the New Cemetery, Castlebar.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.