It it with deep regret we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Mr Philip Staunton, son of Mary and the late Michael Staunton, Drimcoggy, Tourmakeady at his residence, aged 61 years. Tuesday, April 17 2012 will be remembered as one of Tourmakeady's darkest days for a dark cloud came over the village of Drimcoggy and the parish as news of Philip's death was made known. Locally known as Phil he was a tireless, hardworking man of the community and who mad major plans for the future of Tourmakeady but he received that call earlier than he thought.

A draftsman by profession, Phil helped out so many people and tried his best for more. He was so much involved in improvements at Colaiste Muire, the major renovations to Tourmakeady Hall and more recent major work at the time of his death in the village centre. So much of his work involved dedication to the community and all activities in Tourmakeady were cancelled the week after his death.
All flags, the tricolour, local, European and Mayo, were flown at half mast for the week. Phil had a special time for all sport but mainly GAA, both local and in Mayo. He was a man of vision for the future in the GAA. In his younger days, Philip was a keen boxer representing his beloved Tourmakeady. In his later years after moving back to Tourmakeady from Dublin with his beloved Roscommon-born wife Ann (nee Caulfield) they both got involved in Tourmakeady Agricultural Show which was a huge success and was getting better by the year thanks to Phil as a committed and eager Chairman of the club.

In spite of all his community work he was very much involved in the Lamb Direct business. He had great interest in all aspects of the sheep world. Philip was also a great family man, a loving husband to Ann. He had special time for his mother and extended family in the Staunton/Caulfield circle. It was very much evident how popular Phil was as crowds assembled from all parts of Ireland so say farewell to a man they loved and to support his wife Ann.

His remains were taken to Tourmakeady Church from his home for 11am Mass celebrated by Fr John Kenny, PP, assisted by Fr Desmond Grogan, Partry. Readings were given by Phil's sister Helen and nephew Michael Staunton. Prayers of the Faithful were shared by Philip's nieces and nephews. Requiem Hymns were sung by family and friends of the Stauntons. A lovely and meaningful reflection was delivered by Phil's sister Ann. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Philip is survived by his sorrowing wife Ann; mother Mary; sisters Ann and brother-in-law Simon (Athlone), Helen and brother-in-law JJ (Galway); Marion and brother-in-law Michael (Srah, Tourmakeady); brothers Tom and sister-in-law Maura (Tourmakeady), Michael John and sister-in-law Olivia (Roscommon); Martin, Drimcoggy; aunt Nora Walsh and Tony in Killawalla, also nieces, nephews, extended in-laws and Bell.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.

- Mayo News 1st May 2012 Tweet

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