The late Jim Mitchell Jim Mitchell, Kilcroan, Ballymoe, Co. Galway, who passed away, was widely known throughout the east Galway and Castlerea regions. A legendary character, Jim was a popular favourite and his passing at the age of 81 evoked widespread sadness and regret. In his younger years, Jim worked on the building of the Sanatorium in Castlerea Prison. The bike was his method of transport in those far-off days. Later, Jim was to serve as postman for many years and he was a familiar sight as he travelled on his bicycle through Glinsk, Kilmackrickard, Kilsallagh, Glenamaddy, Curragh, Ballyglass, Ballyhigue and Curries delivering the post. Life had a very settled nature in those days. People were often down the fields or in the bogs and they would leave a cap or hat on the wall outside their house with a letter underneath for the post ... or maybe an old biscuit tin with money to get something from the shop which Jim would bring the next day from Corry's Store. Many were the times Jim obliged people on his postal run and no task was too much for him to undertake. He often recalled memories of being out on the post the day that Hurricane Debbie struck Ireland in the early 1960s. Jim was a passionate Galway supporter and was on first name terms with many of the county senior hurlers and footballers. On one famous occasion when Galway were playing against Cork in the 1956 All-Ireland Final, he left home before 5am and cycled all the way to Croke Park! That night, tired and weary, he stayed with a family in Dublin who later went on to become life-long friends with him. Every time Jim heard of the passing of some of the Galway players from the 1950s and '60s, a part of him died with them. He was heartbroken on such occasions as he valued his friendship with them so much and took such pride in their achievements. He was very proud of the Galway winning teams of 1956, the three-in-a-row side of 1964, '65 and '66 and the re-emergence of Galway again in 1998 and 2001 when they brought home Sam Magurie after a gap of more than 30 years. He was also immensely proud of the Galway hurlers and their All-Ireland wins of 1980, 1987 and 1988. After his years on the bicycle, Jim purchased a Honda 50 in 1970 and this gave him a whole new freedom to get around at his ease. He loved his regular trips to Castlerea and so familiar were people in Castlerea with him that many referred to him as "The man on the Honda". Many were the times he went on his Honda to matches in Castlebar and other places. Jim was a deeply religious man and was a pioneer all his life. He was devoted to his wife Helen (nee Hession) and their family of six, four daughters and two sons, as well as his grandchildren. He was noted for his good nature and kind and thoughtful manner which was ever to the fore. He took a very keen interest in current affairs and politics and was a prominent supporter of Fine Gael. He was a strong supporter of John Donnellan in former years and had a great liking for Michael Ring in recent times and supported Jim Higgins in the last European election. He loved the banter and excitement of election campaigns and would be glued to the radio as the results came in from the count centres. Jim was an ardent reader of the daily and provincial newspapers and he loved Mid West Radio, which was the number one radio station in the Mitchell family home since the day it came on air. Removal took place from the family home to St Croan's Church, Ballymoe where Rev Hugh O'Reilly presided at the reception ceremony. Fr Seamus Cox, PP, Ballintubber was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass and burial took place in Kilcroan Cemetery. His favourite prayer by Cardinal Newman was recited during the ceremony. His is deeply regretted by his wife Helen, daughters Maria (Ballymoe), Martina (Knightsbridge, London), Suzanne Reaney (Emlaghmore, Donamon) and Amy (Galway), sons Luke (Ballyglass, Williamstown) and James Stephen (Galway), son-in-law Paul, grandchildren, Darren, Ciara and Nicole, sister Mary Mannion (Rookhill, Williamstown), brother-in-law Sonny Mannion, sisters-in-law, nephew Luke Mannion, niece Ann Cafferty, relatives, neighbours and many friends. "May He support us all day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then, in His mercy, may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last" MC Courtesy of the Mayo News 19 April 2006 Tweet

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