07/10/2026
Blacksod Rowing Club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to our Chairman, Sean, and to all of his family on the sad passing of his beloved Dad, JJ, at the wonderful age of 97.
Anyone who knows Sean, or who had the privilege of knowing JJ, will have known of the close and very special bond these two men shared. JJ had an incredible knowledge and understanding of the sea, and he passed that knowledge, skill and love of the sea on to Sean from a young age.
Three Meenaghan men — Sean, Eamon and Michael — are among the founding committee members of Blacksod Rowing Club, all having learned so much about the sea from JJ and the rest of the John aTommys when they were young gasúrs. His knowledge and influence have left a lasting mark on them and on the wider rowing and maritime community.
It truly feels like the end of an era on the Inishkea seas. JJ was the last baby born on Inishkea, before leaving the island at just two years of age. Over his 97 years, he carried those memories with him, and he had many a scéal to tell about the island, its people and, of course, the sea he knew so well.
His stories, his knowledge and his grá don fharraige will live on through the generations he taught and inspired.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Rest in peace, JJ. 🌊
Pray for the repose of the soul of
John (JJ) Meenaghan
Duvillaun, Clogher, Belmullet and formerly of Inishkea South & Glosh, Belmullet – peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family on the 7th October 2026 in his 98th year.
Predeceased by his loving wife Nellie, his parents Kitty & John, brothers Michael, Philip, Paddy, Tommy, Anthony & Willie, sisters Josie, Kathleen, Anne & infant sister Bridget, nieces, nephews & grandniece.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, son Seán (Duvillaun), daughters Mary (Kiltimagh) and Eileen (Castlebar), daughter in law Orla, sons in law Mark McDonnell and Richard Holmes, grandchildren Seán, Ellen, Ciarán, Maggie, Mark, John, Patrick and Lucas, his nieces Maureen McGinty (Surgeview) and Noirín Breathnach (Tourmakeady), all his nieces and nephews, his sister-in-law Ann Meenaghan (Cross) and all his relatives and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dìlis.
Remains reposing at Daly’s Funeral Home, Bangor Erris (F26 Y757) on Friday evening, 9th October from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock.
Removal from his residence on Saturday, 10th October to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Aughleam (F26 DN79) for Funeral Mass at 12 o’clock with burial afterwards in Faulmore Cemetery.
Family home open to family & neighbours.
