Flanagan, Noel
January 31, 2007
The late Noel Flanagan
The death of Noel Flanagan, Mountdelvin, Cloonfad brought much sadness to his home area, close to where the three counties of Roscommon, Galway and Mayo come together. Noel was aged 43 and was widely known in the Cloonfad, Garrafrauns, Irishtown, Ballyhaunis, Dunmore and Tuam areas.
In his youth, he was a stylish Gaelic footballer and, as the years went by, he developed a love for many sports including horse-racing, soccer, rugby, hurling and others.
He had a special love for the primrose and blue of Roscommon and was a very happy man the day Roscommon minors defeated Kerry in the All-Ireland final replay in Ennis October 2006.
Noel took a keen interest in local horses, especially Washington Lad, who came to the fore in recent years. He was a good friend of Mark Quinn in Garrafrauns, a man renowned for his knowledge of horses. Mark had been a true friend to the Flanagan family since Noel's untimely death.
He also enjoyed playing 25 with friends and was a regular in Tom Lally's pub in Garrafrauns where he loved the humour, conversation and banter. He also featured at card games in Irishtown, Dunmore and Clonberne. Noel loved music and singing and he was a member of the Garrafrauns Church choir for 20 years.
Noel belonged to a lovely traditional, honourable and most decent family. His first cousin Sally-Ann Flanagan is the current Mayor of Tuam, the youngest person ever to hold such an honour.
Everyone who knew Noel felt a sense of loss at his passing, as he was so kind and helpful and good natured to all he met along life's journey. He was known for his ever-friendly, pleasant and down-to-earth manner, a real class of gentleman. May he rest in peace.
The large crowds at the funeral ceremonies reflected the special regard in which he was held by so many. Removal took place from so many. Removal took place from Keane's Funeral Home in Cloonfad to Garrafrauns Church with burial in Cloonfad Cemetery following concelebrated Requiem Mass. He is deeply regretted by his parents Mattie and Catherine, sister Sally, uncles Jim Flanagan (Tuam), Peter, and Michael (London), aunt Anne Greene (North Wales) relatives, neighbours and many friends. May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Mayo News
31 January 2007
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