McMahon, Martin
December 19, 2009
The Late Martin McMahon
The recent passing of Martin McMahon of Linfield was met with immense shock and sadness throughout the community and beyond. At the young age of 32, Martin was the second eldest son of Christy and Hannah McMahon. A sensitive and well loved man, his death has been a devastating blow to all who knew him including his many friends.
A carpenter by trade in his brother Jimmy McMahon's building firm, he was described as a hard and dedicated worker no matter what job you ask him to do. The McMahon family are well known in the GAA community, but somehow Martin escaped the culture and pursued a different hobby in the likes of travelling and reading.
Earlier this year he was in Australia working and had planned to go back in the coming year. He loved to read and his choice of books varied depending on what he got his hands on. His interest in the GAA was limited but somehow found himself engulfed while in Sydney. A four team hurling tournament was organised among the Irish community and Martin became a selector to one of the teams. His team won the tournament and a beaming Martin was thrilled so much he couldn't wait to relay the news back home.
While his family are living and breathing GAA life, Martin would be its keenest supporter and always followed the club and county fortunes. A jovial and fun loving individual, he enjoyed a good social life and the company of good friends.
Martin was an avid Aston Villa and Barcelona supporter and the Villa Jersey lay with him while he repose. Genuine and honest, Martin will be remembered as a warm, friendly and sociable man, greatly admired and loved.
Although his life many have been short, he enjoyed it and left a big impression, because Martin had an unique quality. He was one of these people that seemed to be without an enemy, Martin simply wanted to become a friend of everyone.
The esteem in which Martin was held was attested to by the large attendance at both the removal and funeral.
Requiem mass was celebrated by Fr Holloway assisted by Fr Byrnes and Fr McSweeney. During the ceremony gifts offered included a history book, an Aston Villa soccer jersey and a DVD symbolising his fully lived life. The beautiful singing and music was provided by Micheal O'Riain. Following requiem Mass the funeral cortege made its way to Old Pallas where it paused for family and the GAA club members to shoulder the flag draped coffin to his final resting place. As the coffin filled past the large number of mourners, they nodded in silent agreement to say that his warm smile and friendly salute will be sorely missed.
Sympathies are tendered to his father Christy, mother Hannah, sister Lorraine, brothers Jimmy, Chris and Trevor, sister in law, brother in law, uncles, aunts, relatives and friends. Funeral was from Ryan's funeral home to his home in Linfield for one last time. Following requiem mass burial took place to Old Pallas cemetery. The final farewell was left to Michael O'Riain who gave a rendition of the ballad The Hills of Doon.
May the Hill of Knockgrean watch over you and the soil rest lightly on your kind and gentle heart.
Martin McMchon born July 13th 1977, died November 20 2009
Courtesy of The Limerick Leader
December 19th 2009
Most Read Stories