South Mayo has been rocked again for the fourth week in a row with the news of the sudden death on Saturday evening of Peter McCartan, The Demesne, Hollymount. Peter (46), a prominent member of the GAA fraternity in the region, died after an asthmatic attack at the family home. The sad news stunned the region.

It is understood that Peter was taking down the Christmas tree and decorations from the attic of the family home when the asthmatic attack was triggered. The sad news has come as a wake-up call to the thousands of people who live with asthma on a daily basis. For wife Breda (nee Connolly from Lehinch) and family Rianna and Adam, his mother Nano, brothers Pat and Eugene and sisters Helena and Mary, and the extended circles of the McCartan and Connolly families, Peter's death has plunged their lives into sadness and grief.
Peter, who stepped down as PRO of the newly formed Hollymount-Carramore club some months ago because of other commitments, attended the annual general meeting of the club in Hollymount on Friday night. He made a number of contributions during the meeting, including seconding a motion proposed by Liam Coen for the introduction of a First Aid course for club members.

Peter was also very well known in the region as a sports reporter, having had reports published in the Western People, Connaught Telegraph and The Mayo News over the last number of years, and he also reported on a regular basis for Mid West Radio.
Liam Coen, club chairman, said they were devastated with the news. "I just couldn't believe it. Peter was in top form at the AGM. He was more than a clubman and a friend, he was a great guy and a good neighbour. Peter always looked for the positive in everything. He was a great member of our club. The McCartan and Connolly families are lovely people. He was so hale and hearty on Friday night. We are absolutely devastated, it has shook us all. He is a huge loss to his family, the community and all in the local GAA scene."
Club secretary Ger McHugh said they were trying to come to terms with the loss of a stalwart of the new club. "We got a horrid land when news broke about Peter's sudden death. He had a very positive outlook and influence on the amalgamation of the two clubs and did fine work as our PRO. On Friday night he volunteered to assist with the development of the club website.
"His brother Pat was down from Carnmore, Claregalway, for the meeting. Pat is manager of the junior team. Several of the members enjoyed a pleasant social night after the meeting and visited Finnerty's. The Old Oak and Cheers. "They were so delighted that things were going well with the new club and looking forward to good days ahead.
"The McCartan name has been synonymous with the Hollymount area for many years. The family have direct connections with the famous Down GAA family of the same surname and the family roots are in Co Down. The McCartan Cup has been a regular fixture on the local scene here over the years and is played off on an annual basis between the primary schools in the region."
Colleagues of Peter at Newell's of Carnmore in Co. Galway , where he was employed, were also left reeling with shock after hearing the sad news from Hollymount. A large crowd attended the removal ceremony at Roundfort Community Centre last night (Monday). Interment will take place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass in Roundfort Church at 1pm today (Tuesday)

The Mayo News, December 10th 2013 Tweet

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