Margaret O’Leary was a lady of many talents
LARGE crowds gathered in Monamolin for the funeral of the late Margaret O’Leary, who sadly passed away in her 97th year at her home in Garrydaniel after a short illness.
Margaret was born in Charlesfort, Ferns and was the youngest sister to the late Kathleen Murray and the late Matt Reddy. She moved to Monamolin in the 40s when she got married to Thomas, who sadly predeceased her 44 years ago.
Family was important to her, she supported them and was very interested and actively involved in everything they did.
Margaret was an active member in her local community, she was President of the Buffers Alley camogie club up until her passing, where she was awarded the Seana Gael award a few years ago for her long service to the club.
She has grandchildren and great-grandchildren still playing with the club today. Margaret was a very proud grandmother when the Wexford Camogie Senior team won the All-Ireland final at Croke Park in 2007, where her granddaughter Mary Leacy, who was captain, lifted the O’Duffy cup after their win.
Once again in 2010, her other granddaughter Una Leacy, Mary’s sister, was also captain to the Wexford Camogie Senior team, where she led the girls to glory once again. Margaret was a regular supporter of the local Buffers Alley club and county throughout the years.
Margaret was also heavily involved in local social clubs in the village of Monamolin, and was a member of Boolavogue ICA as well as the Ferns Active Retirement Group.
She loved meeting people and would light up a room as soon as she entered it, with her great sense of humour and her warm, ready smile. Margaret was a lady who lived life to the full and was always eager to help others.
Margaret had a great love of crochet, and would regularly be seen making blankets, which she gave to family and friends both at home and abroad.
One of her great passions was literature and drama. She would often recite poetry that she learned in her school days and loved the Irish language, which led her to write her own poems about family, friends, sporting events and many other topics.
One of the family favourites is the poem called ‘TIME’, which was published into a book, with many others, and is treasured by all.
Earlier this year, Margaret saw her wish come true and was Grand Marshall in the first ever St Patrick’s Day Parade held in Monamolin.
Margaret’s faith was a big part of her life and attended mass daily up until the time of her illness.
Margaret is survived by her children Liam, Margaret, Kathleen, Agnes, Carmel, Seamus, Thomas, Monica, Eithne, Caroline, Imelda, Gertrude, Fintan, and extended family.
Go ndeana dia trocaire ar a anam dilis.