Well known Galway GAA club legend and local shop owner dies as lovely unique nickname remembered

A familiar friendly face has been missed from Corry’s Field recently, that being Kevin 'Neighbour' McCormack, and his faithful canine companion, Ruby or laterally Millie. Their presence in the park was guaranteed rain or shine.

Kevin was born on a small farm in Offaly, and like so many others, he learned a trade to make his way in the world. Having qualified as a fitter, he crossed the Shannon to take up employment in Robert Usher Limited, known locally as the Cotton Factory.

It was there he earned the soubriquet 'Neighbour', because in the absence of a name, he called his new acquaintance 'neighbour'.

Mind you, he lived up to the title for he always acted in a neighbourly fashion.

In 1961 he married Anne, his partner in everything.

However, shortly after that he was to suffer a serious accident in “the Cottons”.

When his arm became trapped between two rollers in the course of his work, it was broken in two places but could not be freed until his work mates disassembled the machine.

It is testimony to the kindness of new friends that their largesse came to the rescue of Kevin and Anne in difficult circumstances.

The sixties brought many changes; Tynagh mines was gearing up, as were the population’s expectations and living standards.

This presented a new opportunity for Kevin, so together with his brother Oliver, they formed McCormack Bros Heating & Plumbing.

This partnership with its employees proved to be a very successful venture, servicing homes and institutions from its inception until 2019 when they ceased operations.

Of course, in the early days there was no telephone, mobile or otherwise to interrupt mealtime.

No, back then, it was a rap on the door “Is Kevin in”? would be the enquiry and that could lead to a protracted discussion or invitation to embark on a mission of mercy to avert some crisis.

Kevin’s sense of duty and a willingness to render assistance in those circumstances was a measure of the man.

Hurling is the religion in Loughrea, but not everyone is so fortunate to be baptised in that church.

Kevin played Gaelic football. It seems a contraction in terms, but he was described by those who know as a ‘useful footballer’.

The presence of the mines and the workers from the provinces increased the appetite for football in town ensuring a vibrant street league which proved to be a popular outlet.

The big project for Loughrea Hurling Club in the 1970’s was the acquisition of the “Big Field” from the Land Commission and to transform it into St Brendan’s Park.

A Carnival Committee was formed, and a marquee erected in the Fairgreen with all the ancillary services to fundraise for the Club.

We are not sure if there were more than 24 hours in a day back then but an indefatigable group of core members worked over the next number of years to ensure success.

Kevin was part of that Committee and Chairperson of the club when the ground opened in 1977.

The club promoted the Grey Lake Festival, for a number of years in the eighties, which featured many well-known folk artists, and Kevin had a big involvement in this venture.

He enjoyed the success of the club at many levels over the years, in particular the capture of a number of Senior County titles in recent years and he was proud to have played his part in the provision and development of the club’s playing facilities.

Fifty years ago, Kevin and his wife Anne acquired a kerbside petrol pump and developed it into a successful filling station.

One of the early challenges it encountered was a fuel crisis, fuel rationing, long queues, and delivering a system of a fair distribution of fuel.

Anne and Kevin weathered the storm, gained goodwill, and redeveloped the site.

Its face may have changed throughout the years - BP to Statoil, Topaz, Circle K - but the friendships made in those years have endured, and a trip to the lake and a cone from McCormack’s is multi-generational experience.

Kevin was to endure the nadir of his life when he tragically lost Anne in a house fire 15 years ago after nearly 50 years of marriage.

For a double act who had so much laughter in their shared life, this was a cruel blow.

He slowly rebuilt his life, but he had finally met something he couldn’t fix. He was fortunate to have the support of old friends and family to sustain him in his darkest hour.

We are not sure if 'retirement' existed in Kevin’s lexicon as there was not much evidence of it.

He was available to render assistance, a tool box or a measure of inspiration would be produced at the drop of a hat.

In latter days Kevin was actively involved in Loughrea Tidy Towns, when he joined other volunteers in keeping his neighbourhood litter-free. Kevin also helped out with Meals on Wheels as a driver.

Kevin passed away peacefully on July 1 2026. He loved Loughrea, the friendship and the life he enjoyed here. He was proud of his Offaly roots but felt he was part of the fabric of 'the Town', and he valued his role in promoting a positive community spirit.

Described by all who knew him as warm hearted, friendly, with a mischievous sense of humour, and always having a word for everyone. He was a gentleman to his core and will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.

Kevin McCormack of Old Galway Road, Loughrea, will be sadly missed by his daughter Michelle and son John, son-in-law James, daughter-in-law Catriona, grandchildren Carole, Oisìn, Alannah and Aoibhinn, great-grandson Fionn, brother Oliver, sisters Lil and Kathleen, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.

His Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea, on Saturday, July 4, followed by burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Loughrea, alongside his adored wife Anne.