The late Sean Costello The death of Sean Costello from Killower, Belclare who was well known for his involvement in many sports over the years, especially hurling, football and horse racing, has occasioned great sadness over a wide area. Sean who was 86 passed away after a short illness in his home in Killower and huge crowds attended the removal of his remains from Glynn's Funeral Home, Tuam, Mass in Belclare and funeral home. It was ironic that only hours after he was laid to rest, Sean's football club Corofin, of which he was vice-President, won the Co. Galway Senior championship against fancied Caltra at Pearse Stadium. Sean was also instrumental in the development of Sylane Hurling Club, of which he was honorary President and he had also been the club's longest serving chairman. He was well known in horse breeding and racing circles and was described by many as a man of all seasons. Apart from being a sportsman, farmer, family man, horse breeder, philosopher, raconteur, steel worker, voluntary worker, gaeilgeoir and a strong Republican Sean was a man of many witty sayings, if and when the situation required humour. Sean Costello never flinched when a friend, a neighbour of organisation or even a stranger wanted help. He always gave his services in a good hearted and light hearted manner. He treated everybody with respect and dignity but he was also someone who could draw a laugh from even the most sombre of people. Be they the top citizen of the land or a top sports personality or some leading physician or barrister, they were all treated equally by Sean. He was in awe of nobody and he could talk to anybody about any topic under the sun. In the development if facilities at Sylane hurling Club Sean Costello and his wife Chrisie and family have been involved every step of the way. Sean was involved in every aspect of club development from fundraising functions to making daily trips on his bicycle, while in his 70s, to go picking stones in the new pitch while it was being developed. He gave his services willingly, for free and with a smile. He was a loyal supporter and official at Corofin Gaelic Football Club too going back over many decades and over a years ago he was honoured by the club as one of its outstanding senior officers at a function in the Claregalway Hotel. Over 100 members from both clubs formed a guard of honour as his remains arrived at Belclare Church. He could put a smile on many a face with is witty remarks, life for anyone around Sean was never dull as he could regale those in his company with wonderful stories about sport or drama or almost any other topic. During his youth he also played minor football for Miltown and as an emigrant played semi-pro rugby in Yorkshire. After coming back to Ireland he played football, rugby and soccer for various teams in Dublin. Sean raised racehorses and he loved to go to race meetings all over the country, irrespective of his horses winning or not Sean was happy to take part. He had a great knowledge of horse racing and he was never too critical either of a horse did not win "The horse ran well" were the words you were likely to hear from him. As an athlete he was fleet footed in his youth, winning many races himself and achieving record speeds in the then 100 yards sprint. In drama he was a talented actor who took in many plays, especially comedy sketches, during his younger days. The more serious side of Sean revealed a man who was a patriotic Irishman and one who would never compromise his Republican ideals and beliefs. His Republican ideals resulted in Sean being interned without trial for a time in The Curragh Prison during World War Two. But this did not deter him from standing up for what he believed in and Sean held his strong Republican beliefs until his dying day. He often said that he did not fear death and he had no reason to fear it because he had lived life to the full as an honest to goodness caring human being. Sean's passing was peaceful, in the bosom of those he loved and in the place he loved and lived during most of his time on this earth beneath the shadow of Knockma. He is survived by his wife Chrisie (nee Greaney), sons Sean and Fergal, daughters in law Karen and Rachael, grandchildren Nicola, Lauren, Shane and Kieran; his brother Paddy (Bradford), sisters Rosaleen (Bradford) and Nellie (Melbourne) nieces, nephews and a wide circle of other relations and friends. The funeral Mass in Belclare Church was celebrated by Fr Martin Gleeson AP assisted by Fr Patrick Whelan SMA. Sean's coffin was draped in the tricolour as it was carried to his final resting place in Killower Cemetery. Courtesy of The Tuam Herald 19 October 2006 Tweet

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