Clonroche’s Kathleen Flood left behind legacy of fun, music and warmth
KATHLEEN FLOOD (née McGrath) of Tominearly, Clonroche, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, aged 83, at her home after an illness bravely borne with courage and dignity.
She left a wonderful legacy for her family, instilling in them the sense of fun, kindness and warmth that was synonymous with her throughout her life.
Kathleen McGrath grew up on O’Connell Avenue and Davitt Road in Wexford town.
She hailed from a large, musical family of nine, her siblings being Elsie, Anita, Muriel, Monsignor Joe McGrath, Oliver ‘Hopper’, Albert, Paddy and Bernard, who passed away in his childhood.
Kathleen attended Mercy School, John’s Road in Wexford before going on to work in Woolworths.
She was a natural at her job and went on to become a store manager at the town’s most glamorous shop at the time.
Kathleen met her soul mate in the All-Ireland winning hurler Tim Flood at a dance in the Town Hall, Wexford, and they were married in 1959 in Rowe Street church.
Kathleen’s life changed dramatically when she moved from Wexford town where she enjoyed a hectic social life of fashion and dancing to Cloughbawn and she would often, in later years, recall the culture shock this move was for her as she didn’t drive and her hometown was a considerable distance away for her. Friends, family and community involvement helped the transition from town to country as did her involvement in the local I.C.A, of which she was a member for over 50 years.
She did her best to help out on the farm and on one occasion joined Tim in the milking parlour, but things didn’t work out so well and he politely suggested that it might be safer for her to leave it so as she was a danger to herself and the cows!!
That experience really did set the tone for the future!
Kathleen and Tim had four children, Séamus, Norma, Seán and Garry and went on to have 11 grandchildren who she developed close relationships with, as she, like them, was young at heart and always full of fun. Kathleen spoiled her children with love, time and kindness and reared them in a house brimful with love, fun and laughter.
As Tim, who won All Ireland titles for Wexford in 1955 and 1956 and 1960, was extremely busy between farm work, sport, his dogs and music, Kathleen kept the home fires burning and relished her role as homemaker and mother.
Their house was always full of fun, music and people. Countless children and adults frequented the Flood kitchen to practise for the Tops of the Parish.
Kathleen played a very active role in community events. She was a talented baker, knitter and painter.
She loved opera music and listening to a variety of different types of music on South East Radio and Lyric FM. She brought her love of music with her everywhere she went and it became particularly apparent during her illness.
Tim and Kathleen got to travel all over Europe, Britain and Canada through his work with sheepdogs trials, and she thoroughly enjoyed these breaks away. She also loved returning to Wexford town every chance she got. In 2014 the passing of Tim brought significant changes to Kathleen’s life.
An energetic, intuitive, wise woman with a sharp wit, Kathleen’s warm personality endeared her to everyone. She had a great appreciation of nature and the small things in life that go unnoticed to some people.
Kathleen enjoyed reasonable good health up until recently and throughout her illness she maintained a wonderful sense of humility and perspective. Her presence in the community will be sorely missed.
Throughout Kathleen’s life her deep faith remained of the utmost importance to her. She fought her illness bravely and with dignity. She attended Blackrock Clinic for treatment over the summer before returning home to the loving care of her family in August.
A large crowd attended her Funeral Mass at St. Clement’s Church, Cloughbawn, which was celebrated by her brother Monsignor Joseph McGrath and concelebrated by many priests.
Bishop Denis Brennan was in attendance also. At the Mass Norma and Seán paid tributes to her and Cloughbawn GAA Club members stood as guards of honour.
Members of the Carrigbyrne Pike Choir and the local Cloughbawn Church choir, which Kathleen sang with up until Easter last, performed at the Mass. Kathleen was laid to rest afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
Kathleen is sadly missed by her loving daughter Norma, sons Séamus, Seán and Garry; sister Anita O’ Hara, brothers Oliver, Albert and Monsignor Joseph McGrath. Son-in-law Andy Doyle, daughters-in-law Kathleen, Lucy and Dolores, 11 grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.