The death has occurred at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, peacefully, after a short illness of Chris O’Dowd, Cloonflynn, Ballyglass, Claremorris. He was a native of Dangan, Summerhill, Co Meath.
Aged 67 years Chris was well known and loved in the area and was one of nature’s gentlemen.
He loved going out on his boat on Lough Carra and the Corrib and he never seemed to mind if he didn’t catch a fish, he was happy as long as he was out there. He loved his garden and took great pride in it. Chris was a fine singer with a powerful voice who would never have to be asked twice to stand up and sing.
He loved the craic and was very often the cause of it, as many can testify. He fitted a lot into his life and was never afraid to live it to the fullest.
Born and raised in Co Meath he spent over 30 years in Australia, then came back and settled in Mayo. But he was never shy to tell you where he was from, especially when Meath were playing Mayo.
Chris was a hard working man of great strength and character who loved his family and always made sure they were well cared for.
He will be missed and deeply mourned by his wife Margaret (nee Cribben ), sons Thomas and Stephen, daughter Katie, sisters, relatives, and many friends.
Removal took place from Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey, where he was received by Rev Fr Austin Fergus PP who was also chief celebrant at the funeral Mass. The gifts which were brought to the altar by his wife Margaret, sons Thomas and Stephen and daughter Katie, included an Australian hat and the Meath football jersey.
Funeral took place to Guesdian Cemetery, Belcarra, where the blessing of the grave was performed by Fr Fergus.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, c/o Kilcoyne Funeral Directors, Thomas Street, Castlebar.
May he rest in peace.
