The sudden death of Erris shopkeeper and pyrite campaigner, Michael Healy has shocked and saddened the local community.

Michael, of Corclough West, Belmullet and Healy’s shop, Binghamstown, was one of the first people to highlight the pyrite issue in Mayo.

He knew first hand the impact of pyrite as it was in his own home.

The North Mayo Pyrite group facebook page is expressing sympathy to Michael’s family - 

We were saddened to hear of the death, of long time Mayo Pyrite Campaigner Michael Healy. Sincere Condolences to all his family & friends at this very sad time. May he rest in Peace.

While Cairde Geata Mór facebook page paid him this tribute saying:

The heart of our village has stopped beating. Yesterday we sadly lost Michael Healy. Michael’s shop in Binghamstown was at the heart of everything. Going in for the morning papers, a coffee, an ice cream on a sunny day or a big shop - Michael was always there to greet you, and he couldn’t do enough for you. Nothing was too much trouble. In particular, during the pandemic his shop was a lifeline for so many. Delivering shopping to people’s homes and making sure the shop was as safe as possible for everyone that came in. He was something special, and it’s incredibly heartbreaking to think we will never see him there again. He was a character, with a very generous heart.

His remains will repose at McDonnell’s Funeral Home, Belmullet this evening (Thurs) from 5pm until 7pm with the funeral arriving at the Church of the Holy Family, Carne, Belmullet at 8.30pm,

He will be laid to rest after 12 noon Mass tomorrow (Friday) in Cross Cemetery.