The late Peter Irwin Peter Irwin from Islandeady would be a contented Mayo man if he were around this week to see the atmosphere building up for Sunday's big game. But Peter departed this world during the summer after a three year struggle with motor neurone disease. He was in his early 50's. Gaelic football was close to his heart. He loved football and was a renowned Mayo follower who travelled many a long journey to support the red and green. And when Peter, his good friend Tommy Joyce, and the lads headed off for the day, they enjoyed their rambles around the country. At local level in Islandeady, Peter was synonymous with the club, assisting with the weekly lotto in recent years and helping out in every way he could. He was a big man who commanded much respect and his advice and wisdom was cherished by those close to the scene. But it was the cattle business with which Peter Irwin was most associated over many years. He was one of the best known dealers in the province and was widely respected among the farming fraternity. At marts in Mayo and Sligo, Peter was never short of friends. He established a rapport with people and a bond of trust which reached out into many communities and the people whose lives are shaped and moulded by the land. He was highly organised and had his own weekly routine which saw him attend marts in Westport, Ballina, Ballymote, Swindford, Ballinrobe and Balla. He was a true institution among the 'faithful' at these venues, his down to earth manner earning him friends everywhere. He was a trade he knew inside out. Buying and selling livestock was second nature to him. He had an instinctive knowledge of the business and was a great judge of animals. People trusted him entirely and many availed of his knowledge to buy and sell cattle for them. Peter took a keen interest in politics and himself and Tommy Joyce were very close friends of Enda Kenny's down through the years. (Enda's father Henry was a member of the All-Ireland winning Mayo team of 1936). Though in declining health, Peter was brought to the T.F. in Castlebar for Enda's homecoming party and celebration night after he was selected as leader of Fine Gael. Above all, Peter was a great family man who was devoted to his wife Marian (nee Nellany from Collooney) and their daughter and son Lorraine and Paul, his father Paddy (a legend in his home region), and brothers and sisters. The vast crowds that attended the funeral ceremonies were truly reflective of the very special commanded by Peter and his family in Islandeady and far beyond. On the first day of June as the heat of the sun caressed the Irish countryside, hundreds stood outside St. Patrick's Church. From various parts of Connacht and further afield, people whose lives revolve around livestock and the land came to pay their respects to a gentleman of the profession. And it was clear that Peter was indeed special to all of them, the silence of the people providing its own moving tribute and reflecting the sense of loss felt so deeply throughout the region. Fr. Pat Donnellan is a good man to deliver a funeral sermon. He vividly captured some of the quintessential characteristics of Peter in a beautiful homily that, as the Americans say "touched base" with all present to hear his consoling words. Poignant memories and happy memories, inspiring words that reached chords in many hearts. Peter Irwin was surely one of nature's gentleman. He would have been on a 'high' these days and all worked up for the All-Ireland Final. He loved Mayo football and friends around Islandeady and all over the region will remember Peter and others like him in a very special way. Courtesy of the Western People October 2004 Tweet

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