The late Chris Moran Chris Moran, Drimneen Islandeady died peacefully at his residence on May 16th, 2006. Hew as aged 58. son of the late Paddy and Kit (nee O'Donnell) Moran, of Carrowholly. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia, who died in Dundalk 6 years ago. His brother Peter lives in Carrowholly with his lovely family. Chris was born in England and lived there until the age of 29. As a boy he spent a lot of time in Newport with his relatives. In his mid teens he became interested in the Plant Hire business. During the boom times in England he worked on motorways with some wonderful people. He played sports, including Rugby and Soccer, but his highlight was the time spent playing Gaelic Football with the Dan Breen Harlow team, and supporting the Mayo team. Chris met his wife in England and they married within a year. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in England, socially at the various dancehalls and clubs and while working together in the plant hire business they ran. In 1977, Chris, Breege and their three children relocated to the farm they bought in Drimneen, carefully chosen for them by Chris's father. Chris had a wonderful wife, 5 children and 5 grandchildren. He was the backbone in each of them and they rewarded him for his support. He had a special fondness for reading and many sports. His priority was supporting his family. He loved his farm but could not let go of his plant hire background. Full time hire for a JCB in the eh early 80's was hard to find. During this time the foreman, Paddy Kearne for the Westport Urban District Council approached Chris with two weeks JCB hire which was extended to an 18 year hire period. Throughout this time Chris became acquainted with a lot of local people of Westport and held them in high regard. Chris became extremely good friends with the men he worked with on the Urban District Council and those men honoured that friendship when they formed a guard of honour as Chris was taken from his family home and led out of the village of Drimneen. Chris was especially noted for his decency and generosity which knew no bounds. Chris' illness was diagnosed within a year prior to his passing. Every moment during this time was treasured by those who shared them. These months were spent on the land he loved, his favourite place. He bravely faced his illness, never complained and carried it off with a smile. The large crowds that attended the wake at his home was a true reflection of the high regard in which he was held by his friends and neighbours. People came from various parts of the country and abroad to pay respects, people who knew him as a good friend and a wonderful character. His passing is deeply regretted by his loving wife Breege, sons Paddy, Christopher and Sean. Daughters Katie and Irene, brother Peter, sister-in-law Geraldine, brother-in-law Pat, sons-in-law Conor and Jason, daughter-in-law Sinead, grandchildren; Eabha, Fay, Sarah, Jody and Ria, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Removal took place from his home in Drimneen to St Patrick's church Islandeady with burial in Islandeady Cemetery following Mass, celebrated by the remarkable Fr Pat Donnlan. Funeral arrangements were by Kilcoynes funeral directors Castlebar. We thank you Chris for the memories, may he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Western People 27 June 2006 Tweet

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