The late Jack O'Shaughnessy The death of Jack O'Shaughnessy of Newtown, Tubber has removed a much respected figure from the south Galway farming community. Mr O'Shaughnessy died at University College Hospital, Galway after a brief illness. An outstanding musician in his earlier years, he was part of the famed Tulla Ceili Band in the era of the charismatic Dr Bill Loughnan. His expertise with the fiddle saw him win a number of All Ireland titles and in the late 1950s he toured the US and the UK with the Tulla Ceili Band. An avid hurler in his youth, he derived his greatest pleasure from representing his local Beagh team. He went on to play for Galway at minor and junior level and was a committed supporter of the Beagh and Galway team up to his death. Jack O'Shaughnessy also had a great sense of place and had an unbreakable bond with the land he farmed in his native Tubber for almost 70 years. Immensely proud -but quietly so - of his heritage, he was an instigator of the O'Shaughnessy clan movement which has spread across the world and which culminates regularly in clan gatherings in south Galway. A man of deep faith, he contributed hugely to his parish of St Anne's in Shanaglish in many unobtrusive ways, as well as serving on the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Board of Management of Lurga National School. Perhaps his greatest legacy is his enduring commitment to his neighbours, friends, and most of all to his family. Speaking at his funeral in Shanaglish Parish Priest, Fr Patrick Healy captured the essence of the man when he referred to him as 'a thorough gentleman'. Jack O'Shaughnessy is survived by his wife Noreen and son Declan, brother Kevin (Dublin) and sister Kathleen (New York), relatives, friends and neighbours. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune May 2003 Tweet

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