Great sadness over death of former Mayo football star Sean McEllin
The death of Sean McEllin, Toorard, Headford, Co. Galway, and formerly of McHale Road and Manulla, Castlebar, has evoked a huge sense of loss in the community.
He died suddenly but peacefully on Friday at University Hospital Galway.
A member of popular Mayo sporting family, Sean played with distinction for Castlebar Mitchels and Castlebar Celtic during the 1960s and early 1970s, winning honours with both clubs.
A strong and skilful footballer, he was Player of the Year for Mitchels in 1963.
Perhaps his proudest moment in sport was his selection on the Irish senior basketball team in the early 1960s.
He also represented his county in the Oscar Traynor Cup soccer series for a number of seasons.
On its social media platforms, Castlebar Celtic FC has extended sympathy to the bereaved family on their loss.
Many other fond tributes are being paid to him on social media.
Michael Feeney, a former neighbour of Sean's, stated: "Sean McEllin was a true gentleman in life.
"In his youth and prime, he was an exceptional sportsman, an international basketball player, he won major honours representing Castlebar Mitchels in GAA and Castlebar Celtic in soccer and he did so with great distinction."
John and Mary McHugh, Headford, said: "Sean was a gentleman in every sense if the word.
"A quiet spoken man with a great interest in all things local. A loyal member of the Men's Shed and Corrib Singers. We will miss him at our meetings, rehearsals and concerts."
Sean is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Venetia, daughter Ruth McEllin Kelly (Castlegar), son Michael (England), son-in-law Ger, daughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughters Keira and Maeve, brothers Vincent (England) and Fergus (Castlebar), sister Kay McCarthy (Castlebar), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
Reposing at his home in Toorard on Tuesday afternoon from 3 until 6 p.m.
Removal from his home on Wednesday January 21, to arrive at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Glencorrib, for Requiem Mass at 1 o’clock, followed by private cremation at Shannon Crematorium.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.