Castlerea mourns one of the town's 'greatest characters'

The death occurred peacefully at home, on Friday January 24th, surrounded by his loving family of Mr Christopher (Christy) Glynn ex-CIE, of 25 Arm, Castlerea. 

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Angela; siblings, Jim, Frank, Paddy, Sean, Charlie, Gerry and Mary. Christy will be sadly missed by his sisters, Pauline, Angela, Patricia and Jackie; brothers, Kevin, Dessie and Michael; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Christy came from a highly respected and long-established Castlerea family and will always be remembered as one of Castlerea’s greatest characters.

He was involved in numerous local organisations in the community including the musical society, rose festival, golf club, and badminton club.

As a youngster, he worked for Kelco Wholesale Butter on Main Street, Castlerea. He later took up employment with CIE and became station master. He served for many years in both Ballyhaunis and Castlerea before retiring in 2003.

He always got on with his colleagues and the public that he served and always took great pride in his job.

He was a great sportsman and was an avid supporter of Roscommon football with his distinctive Roscommon hat. He was a member of the Castlerea minor team beaten by Oran in the county championship final of 1956 and went on to become a member of the senior team and was part of the first winners of the Dan O’Rourke Cup when Castlerea defeated Clann na Gael in 1959 league final. He also played soccer with Castlerea Celtic and badminton with Castlerea Badminton Club.

He was a lifelong member of Castlerea Golf Club and held many official positions with the club. He was a keen golfer and was a member of the committee that negotiated the purchase of the golf club grounds from the O’Connor estate. He was club captain in 1973 and that same year he captained the Castlerea Golf Club senior team to win the Connacht Shield. He was elected president of the club in 2005.

He held prominent positions with Castlerea Musical Society during his 40 involvement with them. He took part in 35 of their shows, the last one he was involved in was Sister Act, where he played the part of the pope, which he was thrilled with. He always said his favourite musical was The King and I, and he felt it was the best one he performed in.

He was a member of the Castlerea Drama Society and performed in plays directed and produced by the late J.J. Flannelly and Michael O’Flynn. In 1973, he received a certificate for his role as Billy Fisher in Billy Liar at the Drama Festival in New Inn.

He was involved with the Castlerea Rose Festival and held the office of chairperson and vice-chairperson. He took great pride in this committee, especially when it was the International Rose Committee when Castlerea would have Roses coming from New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, London, Manchester Birmingham and Ireland. He loved to meet his old friends John Cryan, Mike Boyle, Tom Giblin and Alfie Sharkey on his travels.

He served on the Castlerea Social Services committee for many years and sang with the Castlerea church choirs

His remains were removed from Gaynor’s Funeral Home to St Patrick’s Street, Castlerea and a guard of honour was provided by Castlerea Musical Society, the festival committee and the Castlerea Golf Club. Following Mass of the Resurrection, celebrated by Fr. John McManus, Sinead read the communion reflection and Jackie thanked all who had been so kind to Christy during his illness and all who took part in the Mass. The ceremony was enhanced by the music and singing of the Castlerea Church Choir. He was laid to rest in St Joseph’s Cemetery.

May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.