With regret we learned at the weekend the death of Martin McMenamon at his home in KIlfea, Islandeady, following a long battle with illness. Martin was born in Castlebar, but moved to Islandeady with his wife Phil and family several years ago, where he became a prominent and popular member of the local community. Although settled well in the parish of his adoption, he never lost his ties with his native town and in particular with Mitchels GAA Club of which he was a life long member and a staunch advocate of the club's values. He played in all grades of football with the Mitchels having been nurtured by the Emmets in the town leagues organised by the De La Salle brothers. And when his playing career came to an end, he hurtled himself into the work of running the club. He was a willing worker. Nothing was too menial a task. Whatever had to be done was tackled with singular enthusiasm. Pride in a great club was his motivation. He was a trustee of An Sportlann and a member of the board of directors. He helped out in the maintenance of MacHale Park. He played a leading role in organising weekly bingo sessions which were one of the main sources of funding. Martin was there in the valley periods, a symbol of solidarity. He was proud of Castlebar's underage achievements and if senior success had eluded them in recent times, he was confident that the proper foundations had been set for a return to the glories of his past. His contributions to the running of the Mitchels over the decades was recognised when he was presented with the Hall Of Fame award a few years ago. He was currently the club's president. Martin was a former member of Islandeady Community Council, a life long pioneer, a staunch member of the PTAA and president of the Islandeady branch. He was also a member of the Fianna Fail and canvassed diligently for the party during general elections. Last February, he and Phil celebrated forty years of marriage at a function in An Sportlann. He had already been receiving treatment for cancer and he was hoping he could survive the rigours of the disease. he danced to his hearts content that night and we were hopeful for him. He fought that insidious illness with characteristic courage and continually updated us with news about his treatment and his condition. We missed him at mass recently and guessed the worst. News of his death was not entirely unexpected, but the sadness at his passing is no less profound. The huge crowds at his removal to St Patrick's church, Islandeady and his funeral to the local cemetery are testimony of the esteem in which he was held in the hearts of those who knew him. To Phil and his family, go our deepest sympathy. Mayo News, 11/11/08 Tweet

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