Cornelius (Con) Lavin
Ardboley, Balla

Con Lavin, Ardboley, Balla, was a familiar face to many people in Balla and Claremorris down through the years. He was aged 58 and his passing evoked widespread sadness and regret.
Cornelius or Con as he was known to many, was the middle child of a family of nine born to John and Stella Lavin in Ardboley. He arrived in to this world on May, 1950, just four months before Mayo won their first of two in a row All Ireland Titles.
He received his secondary education in Claremorris where he spent five years in St Coleman's Collage and where he made many lifelong friends. He worked for CIE on the railway lines for a few years.
In the late 1970's, he married Mary Cosgrove from Bangor-Erris and they raised a family of three, two daughters and a son. He worked for a few years after that with McWalters in Balla.
This was followed by a term managing a mushroom enterprise established by his brother Tim in their home village of Ardboley.
It was in 1996 that he took up an assignment as caretaker at the D'Alton Nursing Home in Claremorris, a port that he made his own in wonderful fashion until illness struck some months before his death.
Con was very happy and content in Claremorris and his natural rapport with people found a ready outlet as he cultivated great acquaintances with staff and residents. His ever helpful and courteous manner made him a firm favourite and he was on constant call to lend help and assistance with the need arose.
He got on great with all in the D'Alton Home and his passing was a source of deep regret to everyone associated with the Home.
Golf was one of his favourite sports and pastimes. Con was a member of Balla Golf Club for many years and was delighted to serve as captain of the club in recent times. It was a proud occasion for him to host Captain's Day less than two years ago.
He was also a staunch supporter of Mayo football teams and was an enthusiastic GAA follower. Con travelled to many games down the years along with his brother-in-law, Richie Cosgrave, the former Kiltane goalie and well known Mayo GAA man.
Con will be greatly missed by his wife Mary and family, his brothers and sisters, relatives and many friends. Large crowds attended the funeral ceremonies with removal from the family home to Balla Church. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Francis McMyler. A guard of honour was provided by members of Balla Golf Club as well as colleagues from the D'Alton Nursing Home in Claremorris and friends from the GAA in Balla.
He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Paula and Carol and son James, brothers and sisters, Eileen (Heathlawn, Balla), Tom (Charlestown), Sean (Dublin), Seamus (Birmingham), Eamon (Breaffy), Tim (Balla), Noel (Balla)and Catherine (Tasmania, Australia), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
May he rest in peace.

Taken from the Mayo News
Septmber 22nd, 2009 Tweet

Most Read Stories