Celebrity chef for sure, but behind all that a brave, decent, courageous, funny man
THE funeral takes place tomorrow Friday, of TV chef Joe Shannon, who was a regular contributor on Ireland AM, and more recently co-presented a two-hour radio programme on Ocean FM with Georgie Gorman.
Known by thousands of people, loved by them too, his sense of humour, his skill as a chef and his courage when faced with serious illness are among the abiding memories those who knew him best have been recalling this week.
Mr Shannon, 59, of Milltown, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo, passed away on Monday last at North West Hospice after a long and courageous battle with illness. A man of great courage, dignity and energy, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2021.
His radio co-host on Ocean FM, Georgie Gorman, described Joe as “one of the kindest, nicest men he has ever met and I will never forget him, he hadn’t a bad bone in his body.”
He said Joe was “one of the most incredible people I have ever met in my life”.
Georgie, who was himself diagnosed with cancer, recalled how he and Joe shared their cancer journey and tried to create a platform where people could talk about living with cancer.
Both men spoke publicly about their cancer battles. They did a Recovery Tour, which is still up and running. On that tour they visited many areas of County Sligo and beyond posting their adventures on social media.
Georgie spoke to Ocean FM about how Joe “behind the scenes” was fighting a battle with cancer and how he remained hugely positive.
Joe, who made regular appearances in panto, had an amazing approach to life and his contributions on Ireland AM and Ocean FM were the stuff of legend - and much more than about cooking food - much more.
There has been a remarkable reaction to Joe’s passing, social media sites have seen hundreds of posts remarking on his positivity and his great sense of humour. Others described him as an inspiration.
Gary O’Hanlon, Resident Chef on Virgin One Restaurant programme and a regular contributor to BBC’s Saturday Kitchen described Joe as a “gentle giant in a world where many of those in the world of TV chefs and in the spotlight can be ego maniacs, Joe was the polar opposite, an absolute sweetheart.”
Mr O’Hanlon praised Joe’s ability to present live on television and radio. “Joe took it all in his stride, it wasn’t just about the dish he was cooking, he was interested in the people asking him the questions and he wanted it to be funny, he left an impression on people because of his humour and his way.”
Chef Neven Maguire recalled Joe as not only a brilliant chef but a very funny entertainer. “You would look up to someone like Joe, he was a decent, wholesome man and you would really admire him. Over the years he gave me great encouragement, he was so much fun. At festivals he just lit up the event.”
Referencing the banter, he said it was no show with Joe - “he was just being himself; he could light up a room and he could also cook brilliantly as well as entertain.”
Fellow chef Brian McDermott recalled Joe’s contribution to various charities, adding how he made huge amounts of money for various good causes. He recalled the impact he had on people and how popular he was with attendees at various food festivals.
“We have to recall not just what he has given to the northwest but also what he has given to the hospitality industry, the amount of people he has mentored should not be overlooked,” Mr McDermott said.
In one of many eloquent tributes emerging in memory of Joe, Ocean FM posted: “This isn’t the post we were hoping to be putting out this Monday. This morning, we received the devastating news that our colleague and more importantly our friend Joe Shannon had sadly passed away after a long and bravely fought battle against illness.
“It’s hard to describe the affect Joe had on the Ocean FM team since he joined us last year. In a world where the small stresses of life seem overwhelming at times, Joe was a reminder to take each day as it comes as he bounced into our studio full of laughter, smiles and devilment even on the days where his health issues were trying their best to drag him down.
A husband, father, chef and entertainer, the life of Joe Shannon was certainly one that was lived to the full.
“But whatever hat he was wearing, one thing was always guaranteed. He did it with kindness and a heart as big as the world around him.
“Thank you for the laughs, Joe, and thank you for making us all feel so special. We won’t forget it. Sleep tight.”
Seamus Preston, former General Manager of the Radisson Blue Hotel in Sligo where Joe was part of the furniture as Executive Head Chef for many years said he regarded Joe as an ambassador for the culinary arts and for Sligo. He said it was quite remarkable the impact Joe had on so many people while working at the hotel. He said he was a very clever man, with huge positivity and was an incredibly hard worker.
Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the loving care of staff at North West Hospice.
Sympathy is extended to his wife Marie, children Orla, Emer and Joseph, his brother Michael and his sisters Elizabeth, Bernadette and Dolores. He will also be remembered by his sons-in-law Seán Gilligan and John Divers, grandchildren Leroy and Lewis, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Reposing at the family home at Milltown, Drumcliffe F91XK40 from 2pm to 5pm today, Thursday. Removal on Thursday to Saint Colmcille’s Church, Rathcormac arriving at 7.00pm. Mass of the resurrection at 11.00am on Friday. Funeral Mass livestreamed at www.churchservices. tv/rathcormac. Burial follows in Rathcormac New Cemetery. Family home private at all other times.