O'Neill, Christy
September 21, 2010Castlebar, Westport & London
The death took place on August 6 in London of Christy O'Neill, London of Christy O'Neill, London and formerly of New Antrim Street, Castlebar and Sheeaune, Westport. Christy was born in November 1940 the youngest of eleven children, son of the late Martin O'Neill from Derrycooraune, Islandeady, and Mary McMyler from Commauns, Burren, Castlebar.
Sadly, before Christy was two years of age, his mother died after being ill for some time. Christy was then welcomed into the home of his aunt, Honora O'Neill and her husband, Dominick, and he was reared with the O'Donnell family in Sheeaune.
Christy enjoyed his childhood on the farm and his school days in nearby Cogaula NS, and he kept in contact with his family in Castlebar. He received his secondary school education in CBS, Westport and St. Gerald's College, Castlebar. Christy worked for some time with his cousin Pakie in the Sacred Heart Hospital before emigrating to Manchester. He subsequently moved to London, where his sister Nancy lived. Some years later, he married Finola Cullinane, and together they had three children.
Christy established a successful electrical company and worked on many prestigious projects, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, until his early retirement due to continuing illness. He remained very close to the O'Donnell family, Sheeaune, and loved to holiday there with his late cousin, Josie and his wife, Annie and family. He also kept in close contact with his cousins and was frequently visited by John, David, Pat, Chris and their wives and family. Christy was deeply saddened last October by the death of John in Cork.
Christy retained a great love of Ireland and the Irish Language, which he spoke, and was proud of his brother Dan, who won an All-Ireland medal with Louth in 1957. During Christy's years of illness Christy was lovingly supported and comforted by his loving partner Teresa Killeen. They enjoyed reminiscing many times about his beloved Mayo and his early life there.
He said his deepest wish was to be brought back to be buried in Kilmaclasser Cemetery, a wish that Teresa duly fulfiled. He also requested that "Take me home to Mayo" be sung at his Funeral Mass, which it was.
After reposing at St. Aidan's Room, Islandeady, on August 20, his remains were removed to the adjoining St Patrick's Church, where Fr Pat Donnellan, PP, officiated at the reception ceremony. The following day, Christy's funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Pat Donnellan and Fr Declan Carroll, PP Newport.
Christy's cousin Felipié O'Donnell, Tottenham was Mass server. The readings and Prayers of the Faithful, which included a prayer in his beloved Irish Ianguage, were delivered by family members, and suitable hymns were sung by Ed Muldoon, in accordance with Christy's wishes. Burial took place afterwards in Kilmclasser Cemetery.
Memories of Christy's humourous personality and love of music and dance were shared by his family and friends at the get-together afterwards.
Christy was predeceased by his brothers Paul, Paddy Joe and Sean (England); sister, Tessie Green (Leeds) and infant brother and sister, William and Catherine.
Christy is sadly missed by his beloved wife, Teresa his family, Christy, Niamh and Finola (London); brothers, Dan (Galway) and Matt (New York); sisters, Nancy (Cahir, Kiltimagh) and Mae (New York); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces in Ireland, England and New York, Annie, Sean, Christy (Sheeaune, Westport) Ann-Marie, PJ and family (Glynsk, Liscarney, Westport), David, Chris, Pat and families (London and Singapore), cousins and his good friends, including his life-long friend Margaret Thompson and extended family.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of The Mayo News
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