The Late Jimmy Mannion There was shock and disbelief in the village of Aughrim when it was learned of the sudden and unexpected death of Jimmy Mannion, The Lodge, Aughrim. The passing of the 81 year old popular figure evoked widespread regret throughout many parts of East Galway where he had enjoyed universal respect. The only child of James and Mary B. Mannion, Jimmy was part and parcel of the historic village. As a youngster he played football with the Aughrim team and figured on the Clontuskert Hurling team as a goalie. He worked locally in Harney's before joining Bord na Mona, Blackwater in the sixties and remained there until his retirement in the eighties. He still found time to enjoy his farming but it was his community work that gave him greatest pleasure. He had pride in his village and at every opportunity gave of his time in the caring of the cemetery, open spaces and the area in general. For the annual senior citizens party or other functions Jimmy was always there to gave a hand, with a friendly smile, a warm personality and a welcoming handshake. Interested in all sports, Jimmy had a friendly disposition, a charitable outlook and seemed to be eternally in good humour. He had a special group of friends that were close to his heart. They were the people whose company he relished most and they were there to help form a guard of honour at his mortal remains were removed to St. Catherine's Church, and were received by the Bishop of Clonfert, Dr John Kirby. There was a huge attendance at his removal, mass and burial in the New Cemetery, testimony to a man that was extremely popular with all sections of the community. Fr Gerry Geraghty, who was the celebrant of the mass assisted by Fr. Christy McCormack, spoke of Jimmy's four decades on this life in a moving homily. Jimmy Mannion is survived by his wife Helen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and that special group of friends that helped him enjoy life so much. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 25th January 2008 Tweet

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