Loftus, PJ
June 19, 2012A good many years have rolled down the line since I first met PJ Loftus of Knockmore. In the times that were to follow he became synonymous in my mind with that great north Mayo club of which he was such a stalwart. Not until I heard the sad news of his passing in recent days was I aware that he was a native of Lahardane.
PJ had just hit the 70 mark the week before he died. I thought he was a few shy of that number, such was the vitality and exuberance that was part of his character. He was a well known and popular person in Mayo Gaa circles for long and many years, serving as secretary of Knockmore Club, Co Board delegate, match referee and chairman of the Mayo ladies GAA Board at a time when much success came Mayo's way. Many were the times I met himself and Michael Timlin while they were doing umpire duty or on the turnstiles at McHale Park in Castlebar. And I can't recall a time that PJ did not greet me with a warm handshake and that big warm smile that won him so many friends. Perhaps it is those two attributes that I will always cherish in a special way when I think of him. PJ would, in former times, occasionally ask me to give a mention on my radio shows to the annual collection for St Joseph's School for the Deaf in Cabra and Mary Immaculate School for Deaf Boys in Stillorgan. PJ and his wife Margaret were great supporters of these schools where their son David got such a wonderful education. A lorry driver with CIE was PJ's occupation for many years. After retiring form the company, he took up taxing in the Ballina reign. He knew the area inside out and his vast knowledge of the people of the district was a great help to him in his new career. PJ married Margaret Brogan from Knockmore and they raised a family of nine, six sons and three daughters.
The strong involvement with Knockmore GAA Club was maintained down the years while some of the lads also played with Conn Rangers soccer club. Friends and colleagues from Mayo GAA circles and other sports turned out in large numbers to pay their own special tributes at the ceremonies. Fr Michael Flynn delivered the homily at the Requiem Mass in Knockmore Church. It is hard to believe that as the championship season unfolds once more and the buzz of the crowds light up our sporting weekends that PJ Loftus, like that great Erris warrior Eddie Cuffe from Belmullet, will no longer be with us to share in those special moments. We will remember you with affection PJ because you were one of our own, a true son of the western province. Rest in peace.
(Text courtesy of Mayo News 19/06/12) Tweet
