Death of Mayo engineering firm co-founder deeply mourned

THE death of Martina McHale, co-founder of the world-renowned Mayo firm McHale Engineering, is being deeply mourned in south Mayo and much further afield.

Martina, of Tumeenaun, Clonbur, and formerly of Kilmaine, founded McHale Engineering with her husband Padraic and brother-in-law Martin in 1986 and served as one of three directors for over 40 years.

From business to family life, she left an indelible mark.

McHale, in a tribute, recalled her contribution over the years and lasting legacy: 'From the early days, Martina always worked hard across the business, doing whatever needed to be done to make the business successful. Her attention to detail was immense and she often picked up on things that no one else would have seen and made sure those details were addressed.

'She was involved in every important decision and her input was invaluable, especially in the early years where she was involved in the selection of key personnel, many of whom became very close friends over the years. Martina’s influence is seen across the team who built McHale into the company it is today. She treated everyone as part of the family and made sure they were all looked after, like one of her own.

'Martina took great pride in what she built with Padraic and Martin and loved to meet customers and old friends as part of her daily life or travels.

'She also enjoyed watching the next generation of people coming into the business, often sons, daughters or other relatives of people she had known and worked with down through the years.

'Over time Martina’s counsel was invaluable and like many family businesses she provided invaluable advice and support around the kitchen table or quietly after an event.

'As a company, we are deeply saddened by Martina's passing, but are fully committed to continue to build the business in her honour on the strong foundation and principles she helped establish.

'May her gentle soul rest in peace.'

Her kindness and warm personality are also being remembered in online tributes on rip.ie.

One recalled: 'I first met Martina with Padraig and Martin in the early 1980s in the original McHale shop in Kilmaine where Leyland tractors and New Holland square balers were sold and on a number of occasions since, as the McHale business evolved and where her warmth and personal insight have been at the core of the McHale great success.'

Said another: 'Martina was a lady in every sense of the word. Martina had great strengths but her warmth, humbleness and being so approachable are how I will always remember her. I will miss the chats and words of advice and encouragement.'

'Martina had what Jesus wants us all to have - a big heart, a warm smile, and a kind word for everyone,' said another.

Martina died peacefully in the loving care of her family and the wonderful staff at the Galway Hospice. She was predeceased by her parents Kathleen and Padraic Garvey.

She was beloved wife of Padraic and devoted mother of Paul and Pat, mother-in-law of Donna and Nicole, and will be forever remembered, with love, by her adored grandchildren Owen, Emma, Rían, Matthew, Charlotte and Finnian, her sisters Mary, Gerardine and brother Colm, mother-in-law Nora, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends, to whom sympathy is extended on their great loss.

Reposing is at Kilmaine Community Centre (F31 RC95) on Wednesday, August 5, from 3 until 7 p.m., with private removal to Martina’s home.

Requiem Mass at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilmaine (F31 A348), on Thursday, with burial immediately afterwards in the New Cemetery, Kilmaine.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.