Death of Mr P J Hennelly
General Manager
of the Connaught Telegraph
14 August 1996
Death has robbed the Connaught Telegraph of its greatest friend.
The passing of Mr. P.J. Hennelly, Burris, Manulla, Castlebar, creates a huge void in the newspaper that can never be filled.
As general manager of the Connaught Telegraph, he had his pulse on every sector of the company's operations. He held that position since 1984 and had been associated with the firm for thirty years.
Aged 66, he is survived by his wife, Peggy, son, John, daughter, Regina, mother-in-law, Mrs. Annie Dunleavy, sisters-in-law, Mrs. Nancy Meade (Ennis) and Mrs. Sally Dunleavy (Bray), brother-in-law, James (Bray) and Frank (Straide), relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom heart-felt sympathy is tendered.
One of the best known and most respected personalities in the Irish provincial newspaper industry, P.J. held the post of president of the West of Ireland Branch of Irish Provincial Newspapers Association and was actively involved in the campaign to have the rate of V.A.T. levied on newspapers removed.
He was president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce up to the time of his death, and was the inspirational figure behind many progressive developments in the town.
Shops in Castlebar closed for a half an hour on Saturday morning as a mark of respect.
During a wide and varied career, he was involved in many voluntary organisations, most notably Macra Na Feirme, the Irish Farmers Association and the Mayo Camogie Board.
He served as chairman of the Mayo Hurling Board and the Mayo Branch of the National Athletic and Cycling Association.
He was as founder member of the Mayo Diabetes Association, helping to create a better public awareness of the disease.
P.J. was closely associated with the Mayo R.T.C. campaign as well as efforts to improve facilities at Mayo General Hospital.
A director of Mid West Radio, he was a member of the committee which was responsible for raising over £40,000 for the erection of the Gerry McDonald Stand at MacHale Park, Castlebar.
One of the main organisers of the annual Rehab 'People of the Year' Awards ceremony, he was always prepared to give of his time unselfishly to voluntary organisation.
He was also an extensive farmer and enjoyed the chores of the land.
P.J. stood as a Fine Gael candidate in the Mayo County Council elections in 1967, narrowly missing out on a seat.
An outstanding parishioner in his native Manulla, he was a member of the local Community Council and was actively involved in the committee responsible for building Manulla Community Centre.
He was president of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in the parish, and a member of the local P.T.A.A.
He was vice-president of Manulla Football Club, and a Eucharistic Minister and Lay Readers at St. Ann's Church, Belcarra.
The deceased was well known throughout the entertainment circuit, having worked as a dance band manager for many years.
P.J. began his career in the newspaper industry with the Mayo News in the late 1950s. He joined the advertising staff of the Connaught Telegraph in March, 1967, and was appointed advertising manager in 1970. He served as the newspaper's general manager since 1984.
In many respects, P.J. was the heart and soul of the Connaught Telegraph and was widely acknowledged as Mr. Connaught Telegraph. As general manager, he was involved in every aspect of the company, from the top to the bottom. Nobody knew more about the firm than he.
He dedicated himself to developing the newspapers and was proud of his achievements over the past decade. He was loved by every member of the staff and the place will never be the same without him. His affable and down-to-earth manner endeared him to everybody with whom he came into contact. Here was a man who was straight as a die and honest as the day was long. Although he was always prepared to speak his mind when he felt the need, it was simply not in his nature to offend.
He had a way with him which was very special and nice. He could motivate people without ever realising he was doing it. His energy, his enthusiasm for life, and his bubbling character were infectious to those around him.
Another of his special strengths was his ability to resolve problems. He was a firm believer in sitting around a table and swiftly sorting out difficulties rather then letting them linger. It was an approach to life which served him well. He enjoyed his time here, happy in the knowledge that he did his best in every aspect of his life.
His remains were removed from Thomas Street Funeral Home to St. Ann's Church, Belcarra, on Friday evening. The huge turnout represented the high esteem in which he was held throughout the province.
A guard of honour was provided by his Connaught Telegraph and newspaper colleagues, accompanied by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.
The remains were met in Belcarra village by a Guard of Honour representing the communities of Manulla, Keelogues and Belcarra. Burial took place in Keelogues Cemetery on Saturday following Requiem Mass for the repose of his gentle soul. The chief celebrant was Fr. Seamus Cunnaune, C.C., Belcarra.
Dr. John Connolly, managing director, Connaught Telegraph, read an oration at the grave side. He described P.J. as an outstanding Christian who was always prepared to give of his time to others.
" Few of us in our lifetime are privileged to meet exceptional people. P.J. was such a person. There is no doubt we will not meet his like again.
"He held a special place in all our hearts. He was a man of tremendous humanity and sincerity, giving of himself unselfishly to everything that he did.
"P.J. was concerned that any project he undertook worked for the benefit
of the community rather than for any personal gain."
Connaught Telegraph - News - August 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - August 1996
Castlebar International Four Days' Walks Home Page
