Many memories were recalled as the news spread of the death of Paddy Joe Heaney of Killeenrevagh, Hollymount, last month. Paddy Joe was in his late 80's but until recent months, was full of life and the centre of attention at many events. Paddy Joe was hugely popular and evidence of this was clear at the huge crowds that turned up at his funeral on both days. In his youth, Paddy Joe had been an outstanding footballer and wore the garrymore and Mayo jersey with pride. However, many felt that the county failed to acknowledge the quality of his footballing ability and that he should have had a lengthy career with the county. However, her served the club with distinction on and off the field and like other members of his family, wore the Garrymore colours with a raw passion. He was deeply honoured in recent years when the Garrymore Club honoured him with the Presidency of the Club, making a special presentation to him to mark the occasion. Paddy Joe followed Garrymore through good days and bad, and was hugely proud of their achievements in the glorious era that sam them capture six mayo Senior Football Championship titles in 10 years. Paddy Joe had farmed almost all his life, apart from a brief period when he worked in the building sites in Dublin. He would have been described as a tidy farmer. he was a man that worked hard and diligently and kept the place well at all times, Paddy joe was a keep stockman and this advice was often taken by neighbours and colleagues, who relied on his excellent judgement. Paddy Joe was married to Josie Higgins of nearby Lissatava, and when illness left Josie with a sever disability, Paddy Joe took tremendous care of her at all times. Despite the fact that Josie was in poor health, the dedication and time that Paddy Joe gave to Josie was a remarkable achievement, taking into account that he continued to farm intensively. In recent years, Paddy Joe enjoyed a new life which was centred around his nephew John and his wife Siobhan and their three children, Ellen, Mollie and Thomas, enriched Paddy Joe's final months and weeks with the special care that they returned to this wonderful person. Paddy Joe loved the game of cards and the social outlet and for many years the 25 card game at Garrymore was part of his life. Paddy Joe's social demeanour made him hugely popular and when the news came of his illness, his many friends of all ages were shocked and saddened. Paddy Joe will be fondly remembered around Garrymore circles for many rears as he was a person that lived life to the full and made many friends of all ages. Paddy Joe Heaney was laid to rest in Roundfort Cemetery and will be sadly missed by John and Siobhan and children, Ellen, Mollie and Thomas, brother, Mick (Lackagh), sisters, Kathleen Higgins (Lissatava) and Eileen Egan (Dunmore), nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of The Western People. June 2007 Tweet

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