Ballycroy mourns passing of Joan O'Sullivan There were poignant scenes in Ballycroy as one of the region's best-known characters was laid to rest. Mrs Joan O'Sullivan (nee Myers) went to her eternal reward in the company of her family at the end of a long and happy life. She was a native of Kerry and was always proud of her roots. She was the president of the Kerry Association here in Mayo and never lost her love for everything with a green and gold tinge. Only a few weeks prior to her death. She was the guest of honour at the All-Ireland final where she saw her native county over-come her adopted home. After the match she was feted by the Kerry team and was especially proud of the contribution made on the day by Colm Cooper, a member of her native Dr. Crokes club in Killarney. She had three great passions in life - people, music and sport; and at her requiem Mass in Ballycroy these were evident for all in the huge attendance who had travelled from all over the world to see. The Mass, which was concelebrated by Fr. Gerry O'Donnell P.P., was filled with music, smiles and beautiful words as family and friends paid final tribute to a lady who left an indelible impression on all lucky enough to meet her. Her love of gaelic football was also evident during the service as the Kerry and Ballycroy jerseys were presented during the Offertory procession. The huge congregation which included many former Kerry and Mayo greats as well as members of the Knockmore senior team and many other clubs throughout Connacht were left in no doubt that a special lady had left their midst. At the conclusion of the ceremony her son Michael and close friend Colm O'Briain addressed the congregation and amidst laughter and tears recalled a life well-lived. Her remains were then carried to the local graveyard by her family and members of the local GAA club before she was laid to rest beside her husband, Michael, who predeceased her by 23 years. Later in the nearby Community Centre members of the Ballycroy Strawboys performed the Kerry Set in honour of their departed neighbour as friends and family came together to remember a truly remarkable lady. Joan is survived by her sister Nellie, sons, Sean, Michael and Kieran, daughters, Mary and Ann, twenty-five grandchildren and a huge number of family and friends. Courtesy of the Western People, November, 2004. Tweet

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