Mayo loses a loyal and dedicated RNLI volunteer Michael Edward Lavelle
The death has occurred of Michael Edward Lavelle, Bunnacurry, and formerly of Dugort East, Achill.
Aged 71, he died peacefully yesterday at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
A member of an old and widely respected Achill family, news of his passing has evoked a tremendous sense of loss in the community at large.
Michael was a loyal and dedicated member of Achill RNLI for three decades.
In a tribute, the organisation stated: "It is with the greatest sadness that we record the untimely passing of our esteemed vice chairman and former chairman of our fundraising branch, Michael Edward Lavelle.
"Michael was a stalwart and dedicated fundraiser for the Achill Island Lifeboat since the Lifeboat Station opened in 1996.
"He was known and respected far and wide throughout Mayo and beyond as a thorough gentleman totally committed to inventing new ideas to raise funds for our lifeboat.
"His leadership, encouragement and enthusiasm were infectious through the branch as indeed it was in all the other facets of his life.
"For Michael was a proud Achill man first and foremost and always ready and willing to help out and promote all things to benefit Achill and its community.
"Mayo Cancer Support Association and St Colman’s Care Centre CLG in Keel were two of the many good causes close to his heart and which he steadfastly supported.
"They, as well as many others, not least our own branch will be the poorer for his passing.
"To Michael’s wife Ann and his brothers Joe and Pat as well as members of the Lavelle and Sweeney families and his many many friends, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm uasal"
Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Alice, he will be dearly and lovingly missed by his heartbroken wife Ann (née Sweeney), brothers Joe (Dugort) and Pat (Galway), sisters-in-law Soledad (Dugort), Mary (Dublin) Patricia (London) and Angela (Dublin), brother-in-law John (Bunnacurry) nieces, nephews, extended family and his wide circle of good friends and neighbours.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.
Michael will repose at Lavelle’s Funeral Home (F28 Y0H9) Cashel, Achill, this evening (Wednesday) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Removal from his residence Thursday morning to St. Joseph’s Church, Bunnacurry, for Requiem Mass at 11 a.m.
Burial takes place afterwards in Bunnacurry Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.