The late John Hoban The death has occurred suddenly of John Hoban, Erriff, Liscarney, Westport, one of the area's best-known and most highly-regarded figures. A native of Erriff, he was aged 66 years and was son of the late James and Bridget Hoban. Farming was John's main occupation, but he also worked with the forestry service in the late 60s and early 70s. A man of genial personality, John loved life and lived it to the full. He had a special interest in Irish music and set dancing and always thoroughly enjoyed local fleadhs, especially those hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in Westport. His sporting focus was always on the GAA, both at local and county level. He was a mere eleven-year-old when Mayo last won the Sam Maguire Cup and, like all genuine Mayo GAA supporters, longed for the day when the county senior team would again gain All-Ireland honours. Alas, it was not to happen in this life time. Family and local people will have their own good memories of John and prominent among those will be his deserved reputation as a good and caring neighbour. When it came to giving a helping hand to others no task was too great for John to undertake. His sudden passing shocked and saddened his family and legion of friends and on of the places where he will be sorely missed is the Church of the Sacred Heart in Cushlough. John had his own special corner inside an soutside the church. Inside he prayed and outside he discussed local, national and international affairs with his friends and neighbours. He had a great sense of local history and was able to speak knowledgeable on a range of events of former years. He knew 'who was who' in the area and many a person engaged in the compilation of family trees went to John to discover and relatives were and where they came from. John loved social occasions with family members and friends. He enjoyed getting to know people and, having met a person once, would never forget their name of face. True friendship were of huge importance to him throughout his life, exceeded only by his dedication and commitment to his family. He was a devoted husband, father and brother and, with the passage of time, that devotion was extended to his daughters-in-law and grandchildren. As so many people said on hearing of his untimely passing, John was a real gentleman in the full meaning of that term. He will be very sadly missed by his loving wife Teresa, sons Sean, Seamus and Pardraig (all Erriff), daughter Maire (Dublin), brother Tommy (London), sisters Mary Kane (Lettergesh), daughters-in-law Clare and Martina, grandsons Jamie and Darragh, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Following the traditional wake and repose at the family home, removal tookplace to McGing's Funeral Home, Westport and, from there, to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cushlough where Fr Jackie Conroy, PP, officiated at the reception ceremony. The attendance reflected the affection and esteem in which John was held by all who knew him. The concelebrants of his Funeral Mass were Fr Jackie Conroy, Fr Micheal Mannion and Fr John O'Gorman. Family members read the lessons and prayers of the faithful and brought the gifts to the altar. The funeral liturgy was beautifully complemented by the singing of Cushlough Church Choir under the direction of Leannie Grimes. In his homily Fr Conroy spoke of John as an affable and good-humoured man who loved life and brought joy to the lives of many people. His Christian faith was important to him and he loved out the tenets of that faith in his daily life. He was a devoted and caring husband, father and brother and always showed a genuine concern for the welfare of the wider community. " He will be greatly missed and I extend the sympathy of the whole community to his wife and family". John was laid to rest in Cushlough Cemetery. Peace to his noble soul. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. Courtesy of Mayo News 14 March 2007 Tweet

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