One of North Mayo's most popular publicans passed away last weekend, writes Orla Hearns. Michael Walsh, licencee of The Broken Jug bar and restaurant in Ballina died at his home at Deelcastle, Ardagh, Crossmolina on Sunday, February 24 last. He had been ill for a time. A native of Keenagh, Crossmolina, Mr Walsh was one of a family of seven. He was married, with one son. He trained for a career in the hospitality industry at the prestigious Ashford Castle and also worked in the Hudson Bay Hotel in Athlone for a number of years. Mr Walsh spent some time in London too. He was the proprietor of the Dolphin Hotel in Crossmolina for some 12 years and had been running the Broken Jug on O'Rahilly Street in Ballina for the last four years. A consummate professional, Mr Walsh was noted for the high standards of service in his premises . His excellent customer service was reflective of his love of meeting people. He was passionate about the GAA and a fervent supporter of the Mayo team. The Dolphin Hotel was the sponsor of the Crossmolina team for a number of years while it was in Mr Walsh's ownership. The 'Broken Jug' is the current sponsor of Ardagh GAA. Former Mayo footballer, Liam McHale, was a friend of Mr Walsh. He said: "He did a lot of work behind the scenes. He donated a lot of money to help out the Crossmolina and Mayo teams. "He was a true getleman and was always very good to the footballers. His death is a huge loss not ony to his family but to the community." Mr Walsh also had a great love of horse racing and was an avid supporter of Manchester United. He was predeceased by his mother, Peggy and is survived by his wife, Patricia, son Paddy, father Paddy, brothers Joe (Crossmolina), Gerry (Claremorris) and Gabriel (Keenagh) and sisters Mary Corcoran (Crossmolina), Martina Duffy (Crossmolina) and Helen Leonard (Lahardane). Remains reposing at Leonard's Funeral Home in Lahardane from 5.00pm on Tuesday, February 26 with removal to the Church of the Assumption, Ardagh at 8.00pm. Funeral mass takes place at midday on Wednesday, February 27 with burial afterwards in Kilmurray Cemetery. May he rest in peace. -courtesy of the Western People, 26th February 2008 Tweet

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