The death took place at his residence on Saturday , January 22 of Paddy Gannon. Roslaher, Kilmeena, Westport. Paddy lived all his life in Roslaher. He was the son of the late Thomas and Nora Gannon. He was predeceased by his only brother Michael Joe in 1966. Paddy was of cheerful disposition, always kind and pleasant to everyone. He was a wonderful example of old world values. His honesty, integrity, goodness and kindness to others were shown in his every day life. Paddy lived these virtues and died at peace. He loved the company of family and friends and everyone that called to his home was always made most welcome. Paddy made his living from the farm, the seashore that surrounded his and the shoe factory in Westport, where he started working at fourteen years old. He cycled the six miles every morning and evening. He worked there until he retired and saw the factory twice destroyed by fire. Paddy was one of the first people in the parish to own a car and his little Morris Minor made the journey to work more comfortable thereafter. He was very generous in giving lifts on the road. Paddy married Annie Nora Mulchrone from Aughagowla in 1955. Next month they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Paddy lived for Annie Nora and his nine children. They came first and he was extremely proud of them all. It was to rear and educate his children that Paddy worked so hard, in the shoe factory, sending milk to the creamery and gathering shellfish. It was only when his health began to fail that Paddy was compelled to abandon his vegetable garden, of which he was very proud. Paddy had a great interest in GAA, especially Kilmeena and Mayo. He played centrefield for Kilmeena and the Shoe Factory. He was proud of the West Mayo medal he won with Kilmeena in 1955. Fr Jim Walsh, in his homily, said that Paddy was deeply committed to his faith. His week revolved around his Sunday Mass, his Rosary and private devotions. "The Lord and he gave himself unthinkably to it as long as he was able, and now he is gone to be with the Lord in eternal life," he said. Paddy is deeply mourned by his wife Annie Nora, sons Tommie Joe, Padaric, Christopher and Gerard; daughters Mary Clarke (Castlebar), Annmarie (Westport), Teresa McNamara (Dooagh), Patricia and Caroline; sons-in-law PJ Clarke and JJ McNamara; daughters-in-law Anne, Sheila and Mary Gannon, also Deirdre Prendergast and Paul O'Mera, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. A large and representative cortege accompanied his removal from McGing's Funeral Home, Westport, to St Brendan's Church, Myna, Kilmeena, where Fr Jim Walsh, PP, officiated. The concelebrants of Paddy's Funeral Mass were Fr. Walsh, Fr John Kenny (Westport), Fr Ger Burns, (PP, Achill), and Fr Willie Spicer (Westport). The lessons and prayers of the faithful were read by family members, who also brought the gifts to the altar. Kilmeena GAA Club formed a Guard of Honour at the removal and funeral in tribute to their former player and lifelong supporter. Paddy was laid to rest in Myna Cemetery. May his caring and gentle soul have peaceful rest. Courtesy of the Mayo News 2 February 2005 Tweet

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