The Late Peter Colleran The death took place of Peter Colleran, Colleran's Cross, Ahena, Claremorris. Peter was an erudite gentleman who had a wonderful grasp of rural wisdom and who was an institution in his home area. A man with a great understanding of human nature, Peter was an integral part of life in this part of Mayo which lies between Claremorris and Newbrook and close to Taugheen. He cycled to Ballinrobe CBS in his youth where he acquired a good education. He never lost his interest in books and was a well-read and well-versed gentleman who could hold council in any company. A fondness of the land saw him pursue the farming way of life. He had a good way of knowledge of the land and the livestock scene and always enjoyed the company of the farming fraternity with whom he had such a natural affinity. He was a next door neighbour of the legendary duo of Henry Dixon and Pop McNamara who won All-Ireland medals with Mayo at a time when Mayo "kings of the hill." Peter and his pal, Johnny Patten, often cycled to Ballina and Tuam and Roscommon for Connacht finals back in those years. "We cycled to Ballina in less than two hours one Sunday for a match," commented Johnny Patten. Peter was a hardy footballer himself in times gone by and played with Carramore. He retained a strong fondness for football and Gaelic games down through the years and had a wonderful recall players' names and games from former times. Peter was a hardy gentleman and the many pulls of the "Sweet Afton" and the odd swig of the "wee drop" never did him any harm. The ritual of the lighting of the "Sweet Afton" from the open fire with a coal and tongs was a skill and a sight to behold. He was one of the last of the great old characters of the area. He lived alone and had many friends, all of whom enjoyed his witty comments and philosophical outlook on many aspects of life. He had not many of the modern conveniences but such matters did not bother him in the slightest. Peter was a voracious reader and The Irish Times was his daily newspaper of choice. As long as his open fire was alright and the kettle humming, he was happy. He was a gentle soul who had time to share with everyone he met along life's journey. He had his own favourite radio stations and and programmes but had little or no interest in television. He always enjoyed a game of cards and was a regular in Sally McHugh's pub in former times while he also enjoyed his visits to Pete Tuohy's in Newbrook. Wherever he went, he was welcome company and people loved to spend time with him. Peter was truly one of the grand old stock and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Removal was from St.Colman's Funeral Home, Claremorris to St. Michael's Church, Taugheen with burial in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr James Quinn. He was a brother of Mai O'Donoghue (Tralee) and of the late Paddy Colleran (Ballygar) and is survived by his sister, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Courtesy of the Mayo News 18 December 2007 Tweet

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