Josephinefellinlovewith Wicklowonherfirstvisit
GREAT sadness greeted the recent news that Josephine O’Byrne (nee Kelly), Ballinatone, Greenane, Rathdrum had passed away after bravely battling illness.
Josephine was originally from Kilfenora, County Clare, but quickly made Wicklow her home after moving here in the 1960s.
She had secured a job-interview with Wicklow County Council and was hugely impressed with the county as she travelled down by bus to attend the interview.
Josephine was successful in her job-pursuit and was employed by Wicklow County Council as a clerical officer.
She wasted no time in making friends and was soon attending various dances throughout the county and in Wexford, often getting a lift on the back of one of her closest pal’s scooters.
Through work she met Peter, who she went on to marry.
She relocated to the farm he owned in Greenane and had no hesitation in rolling her sleeves up and helping out in any way she could.
Josephine’s warm and friendly nature meant she was well suited to motherhood and she completely doted on her daughters Catherine, Bernadette and Oonagh and sons Eoin and Hugh.
In turn she was also a devoted grand- mother to Torna, Senan, Matthew, Kate, Hugh and Elaine.
Sadly Peter passed away in 2001 and Josephine went on to generously volunteer her time to a number of deserving causes.
Almost 12 years ago she showed up on the doorstep of Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary, inquiring if she could be of any help.
She used her wealth of knowledge to manage the WSPCA’s books and kept account of where every penny.
Up until very recently she used to carry out volunteer work at the Charity Shop for the Blind in Arklow, where she also looked after their accounts.
Josephine was of huge assistance to her son Eoin when he took over the management of the farm, and her experience and understanding of how the farm should operate proved of huge benefit.
She joined a local walking-group and would think nothing of heading out on treks covering over five-miles. As well as hiking around some of Wicklow’s most scenic locations, she also travelled all over Ireland to try out different walking-locations.
She was a woman of deep-religious faith and was in charge of the sacristy at St Columba’s Church, Greenane. She took great solace in her faith, especially during her brave battle against illness.
Josephine had a wide-circle of friends, who will all remember her for her warm and welcoming personality.
There was a huge attendance at her funeral held at St Columba’s Church, followed by her burial in Greenane Cemetery.
May she rest-in-peace.