Tributes paid to Mayo community man Declan Nevin who leaves a lasting legacy

TRIBUTES from across the community have been flooding in for the late Declan Nevin, Newport.

From sport to everyday community life and events, Declan touched many people's lives in a positive way and his death is being deeply mourned.

Declan, of Mullaun, Newport, and also synonymous with Nevin’s Bar on Main Street, passed peacefully on March 18, surrounded by his loving family.

Glenhest Rovers paid tribute to a much-loved friend and long-serving dedicated club member.

"Dec gave over three decades of service to Glenhest Rovers and dedicated so much of his time, energy and passion to the club he loved.

"Over the years he held many roles, including chairperson and manager, and always put the club and its people first.

'" great character and a straight talker, Dec was always generous with his time and could be relied upon to help out in any way he could. He was always there when needed.

"Dec’s greatest strength was his management. He had a natural way with players, getting the best out of them while earning huge respect from everyone who played under him.

"Among his many achievements, Dec managed the club to the 1994/1995 FAI Regional Cup Final, led Glenhest Rovers to victory in the 2014 Mayo League Shield against a much fancied Ballina Town side, and was part of the team that brought the Mayo League Premier Division title back to the club in 2015.

"He was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the club’s 50th anniversary, a fitting recognition of everything he gave to Glenhest Rovers.

"Dec’s impact went far beyond the pitch. He was heavily involved with underage teams and took great pride in seeing young people involved in sport, no matter what the code.

"He was also a huge part of the wider community and played a leading role in events in the area.

"Some of the best memories of Dec will be after matches, where games were talked through in detail long into the night in Nevin’s Bar. Those conversations and the craic that went with them are something many of us will always remember.

"Dec was a huge part of this club for so long, and his absence will be felt by us all.'

All club activities have been postponed this week as a mark of respect.

In a week where Newport celebrated St. Patrick's Day, the parade organisers described committee member Declan as 'truly one of a kind'.

They paid tribute: “A community man through and through, Declan was always there to lend a hand, offer support, and bring people together.

“Declan played a key role in establishing the Newport parade many years ago. His dedication and generosity helped shape so much of what we cherish here in Newport.

“He leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness and pride in his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Today, We send our sincere condolences to the Nevin family. Declan will forever be remembered as a community man.”

Newport Grainne Uaile Festival also acknowledged Declan's dedication to the festival and the wider community, which will never be forgotten.

“Declan gave so much of his time, energy, and heart to the festival over the years,” a festival tribute recalled.

“He was a constant presence behind the scenes - reliable, hard-working, and always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, and his quiet commitment played a huge part in making the festival what it is today.

“Declan always took charge of the music and, over the years, booked some truly amazing bands that brought life and atmosphere to the festival.

"Despite the festival falling at one of the busiest times of the year in his own pub, he always managed to give his time so generously.

“He was also always keen to support fundraising efforts for good causes and charities, giving generously as a sponsor and supporting his community in every way he could.

“Declan was a gentleman through and through. His love for the community and pride in Newport shone through in everything he did. He never sought recognition, but his contribution will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.”

Declan was predeceased by his parents Teresa and Michael, his sister Angela Irwin, sister-in-law Loyola McHale, parents-in-law Tom and Patricia McHale, and his precious little boy James.

He was beloved husband and best friend of Jo-Ann (née McHale), devoted father to Angela (Ronan), Paul, Michaela (Finn) and Seán (Sophie), and adored grandad of Conn, MacDara and Aodán. He is also deeply mourned by his sisters Geraldine (Bertie), Finola (Tom) and Fidelma (Michael), brothers Michael (Geraldine), Colm (Paula), Kevin (Denise), Rory (Carmel) and Adrian (Elaine), aunts Bridget Munnelly, Annie Cannon, Freeda O’Malley, Evelyn McGrath and Annie Moloney, brothers-in-law Padraig Irwin, Tom McHale (Berniece) and Frank McHale, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, extended family, wonderful neighbours and many friends.

Declan will repose at St. Dominick’s Funeral Home, Newport, this evening (Friday) from 5 to 8 p.m.

Removal from his residence on Saturday morning to St. Patrick’s Church, Newport, for Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Burrishoole Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.