The Late John Carroll

The town of Kiltimagh was in mourning at the of last month following the death of one its best known and respected sons. John Carroll, a member of a well-known business family in the town, died on August 25 at his home on Main Street in the loving care of his family, who were with him every step of the way throughout his illness. John will be missed in Kiltimagh where he lived all his life and where he was such a central figure and held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

John was born on May 31, 1942 the eldest of five children of Tommie and Anne Carroll but sadly his father died when he was just 10 years of age. He received his early education at the local primary school and later at Gormanstown College where he was among the first group of students to be accepted at the newly opened school. Afterwards he worked for a time with Mayo County Council in the Swinford office before leaving to work in the family shop. He later decided to expand the business and opened the first supermarket in the town. Carrolls VG opened its doors to the public in July, 1970. Over the next 40 years John served the public with courtesy and understanding and regarded all his customers as friends. He had a special rapport with children and took time to talk to them and make them feel special when they visited the shop.

John and his wife Susan enjoyed working together and as their family of four grew up they all helped out. Elaine, who has been involved in the business (now trading under the Londis label) for a number of years, has been joined by her younger brother Christopher; and, in true Carroll tradition grandchildren Aaron and Ciara also like to help out after school.

Like other members of the Carroll family John was actively involved in the GAA in his younger years. Carroll's Shop was traditionally the meeting place for players before leaving for matches and that tradition still holds. He never played much football himself but was an officer of the club for six years in the early '60s. He was also chairman of the minor board that was set up by the club to help improve the under-age structure. Another great love of his club to help improve the under-age structure. Another great love of his was handball and he was a regular in the old handball alley in Thomas Street.

During the late 1960s a very successful festival the Coillte Come Home Week was held in Kiltimagh for a number of years and John was very active on that committee. One of the highlights of the week was a fireworks display that always attracted huge crowds to the town. When Ted Kennedy and other member of the Kennedy family were on holidays in Craughwell in Co. Galway in 1974. John was contacted by Bord Failte to organise a fireworks display for them to celebrate American Independence Day. John and other members of the committee travelled to Craughwell where they put on the display and had the pleasure of meeting several members of the extended Kennedy family.

Although John worked long hours and didn't have a lot of leisure time he loved nature and spent many happy hours in his garden where he experimented in growing a wide range of vegetables in the company of his beloved grandchildren.

He also love family celebrations and was never happier than when he had all his children and grandchildren around him. John will be remembered for all the right reasons; he was highly principled and honest to a fault and truly devoted to his wife and family and took great pride in their achievements. As well as being a great family man, he was a wonderful neighbour and true friend to so many people who now mourn his passing. He will be sadly missed by all but more especially by Susan and his family who will miss him most of all.

Fr Paddy Kilcoyne captured his life of devotion to God, his family and his community in a beautiful homily at the funeral Mass in church of the Holy Family, the other celebrants were Fr Gabriel Murphy, CC, Fr Richard Kelly and Fr Eamon Concannon. The church choir sang some of John's favourite hymns and a beautiful lament was played on the violin by Fiona Lavin. Well known showband personality Johnny Carroll from Galway ( whom John knew when he used to play in the local ballroom) also took part in the ceremony and played Nearer my God to Thee on the trumpet and also played at the graveside as John was laid to rest.

Family members took part in the funeral liturgy, reading the lessons and prayers of the faithful and bringing the offertory gifts to the altar, which included John's white coat that he always wore, and indeed, he was often referred to as 'the man in the white coat'. At the end of Mass his son Christopher paid a moving tribute to his father, which was followed by a standing ovation from the congregation.

Among the very large attendance were several of his friends from his college days as well as business acquaintances and many others who travelled from all parts of Ireland, reflecting the esteem in which he was held by so many and the sadness felt as his passing.

John is survived by his wife Susan, sons Ian and Christopher and Aideen, grandchildren Aaron, Ciara, Aoife and Laura, son-in-law Gary, daughter-in-law Lorraine, brother Thomas, sisters Mary Meagher (Templemore), Helen Heavey (Dublin), and Loretta Sexton ( Mountmellick), brothers in law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

His months mind Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh next Saturday September 25, at 11am.

Courtesy of the Western People
September 21st 2010 Tweet

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