Tribute paid at death of ‘proud Cavan man’

Known to many as ‘Sean the Carpenter’, he carried the Cavan P&B Association banner at the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the past 31 years.

Tributes have been paid following the sad and unexpected death of Sean McMahon, described as a “proud Cavan man” by his fellow Cavan P&B Association members in New York.

Mr McMahon (61) sadly died earlier this month, on Friday, August 5, while on his way to son's wedding in the Philippines.

A native of Blackbull, Carrickaboy and Crosskeys, Mr Mahon immigrated to New York in 1984 where he settled in Queens.

He was member of the Carpenters Union for the City of NY, and was known to many as ‘Sean the Carpenter’.

Mr McMahon was also a member of the Cavan P&B Association, where he carried the banner up New York’s famous 5th Ave at the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the past 31 years.

Cavan P&B Association President Michael O'Reilly paid tribute to the late Mr Mahon, describing him as a “big man with an even bigger heart”.

“The Cavan Association of New York remembers with great fondness Sean McMahon who passed away recently. Sean was a big man with an even bigger heart. He proudly carried our Banner up Fifth Avenue on St Patrick's Day for 31 years. In New York he was known to many as ‘Sean the Carpenter’. He was quiet, happy and always a pleasure to be with. Above all else he was a proud Cavan man. He will be sorely missed by our Association.”

They Cavan P&B Association extended their sympathies to Mr McMahon’s bereaved family and friends.

Mr McMahon is predeceased by his parents Dolly and Ned sister Sadie and brother Nobby.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen (nee Fergus), son Matthew, daughter Alanna, son in law Stephen McGonnell, daughter in law Mechelene, granddaughter Sadie McGonnell, his sisters Mary Cullivan, Kathleen Conaty, Evelyn Jermyn, Marcella O'Brien, Siobhan Niland, brother Malachy, sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

At the time of his death Mr Mahon was due to become a grandfather for the second time, according to the bereavement listing on RIP.ie.

Funeral arrangements to be announced at a later stage.