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06 Sept 2025

Funeral details announced for Ireland AM chef Joe Shannon who lost battle to cancer

The beloved chef passed earlier this week

Funeral details announced for beloved chef Joe Shannon who lost battle to cancer

The funeral arrangements for Ireland AM chef Joe Shannon have been announced.

Joe passed away peacefully on March 4, aged 59, after battling with bowel cancer. He was surrounded by his family at North West Hospice, in Sligo.

The chef was diagnosed in March 2021 after doctors discovered a blockage in his intestines.

Joe was originally from Milltown, Drumcliffe, in Co Sligo. 

The removal will take place this Thursday to Saint Colmcille's Church, in Rathcormac, arriving at 7pm. Mass of the resurrection will take place this Friday, at 11am. 

Joe's funeral mass will be live-streamed, then followed by burial in Rathcormac New Cemetery.

Dearly loved husband of Marie and father of Orla, Emer and Joseph.

Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, brother Michael, sisters Elizabeth (Yates), Bernadette (O’Donnell) and Dolores (O’Boyle), sons-in-law Seán Gilligan and John Divers, grandchildren Leroy and Lewis, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The family said that donations, if desired, can be made to North West Hospice Fund or Sligo Cancer Support Centre. 

A couple of days prior to his death, Joe shared a heartfelt message on social media.

"I truly would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for all your beautiful messages on FB, letters, cards, other social media outlets, direct phone messages, support personally to Marie and the family, it sincerely means the world to us," he said.
"I came home from hospital on Friday and once again I just cannot thank enough all the services I recieved at Sligo University Hospital. From the ambulance drivers, the Doctors nurses, care attendendets, catering and household teams, the cleaners the fellow patients that I had the pleasure to share both wards on surgical North and Oncology Ward. The kindness I recieved from A&E was just exceptional. Both the Mr Martin and his Oncology team and the Pallative care team who are still involved in looking after me I say a huge thank you."
He added: "I also would like to sincerely thank my GP Doctor Elaine Kenny and all the team at the Drumcliffe Family Practice who are always there for me and the wonderful team at Markevicks Pharmacy Sligo, who provide me with such a fantastic support.
If I have left anybody out I truly apologise but let me tell you, the people who form part of the Sligo University Hospital Team are true hero's and we are so lucky to have them. Now, glad to be home and I look forward to getting stronger."

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