The people of Ballyhaunis, Tooreen, Aghamore, Ballinlough and neighbouring areas bade a fond farewell to George Delaney last week. George, one of the best known business people in Ballyhaunis, died at the age of 82 following a brief illness. He was out and about less than two weeks ago, enjoying the chat and banter with his legion of friends.
The family business was founded by his father George in Abbey Street. They later bought Foody's place in Bridge Street and George opened a pub and hardware there in 1952, the year after Mayo won their last senior All Ireland Final.
George and his wife Ann Marie (Johnston) raised a family of eight, six sons, Pat, Georgie, Ruairi, Niall, Fergal and Brian, and two daughters, Ann and Mary. The family became synonymous with the community life of the region down through the years.
Today, the Delaney family still operate the pub on Bridge Street as well as a major new hardware store on the link road. George was a passionate Mayo GAA supporter and followed the teams for years. He was also a staunch hurling supporter and his family have been an integral part of the Tooreen Hurling Club for many years with a number of the lads also giving strong displays in the Mayo jersey. He was also a talented athlete in his young years and won the Connacht Pole Vaulting title in those times.
George was held in the highest regard and he will be greatly missed by his devoted family, neighbours and many friends. A very large crowd visited the family home at Coolnaha on Thursday to pay their respects and express their condolences to the family on their sad loss After concelebrated Requiem Mass in Tooreen Church, interment took place in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Ann Marie, daughters, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchild, in-laws, sister Lillian Mulligan, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Mayo News, January 28 2014 Tweet

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