Huge crowds mourn the sad passingofGeraldine(55)
FAMILY and friends of much loved Enniscorthy woman Geraldine O’Neill (nee Donohoe) were deeply saddened and shocked to learn of her death on 2
Geraldine (55) of Castlelane, Brownswood, Enniscorthy and formally Duffry Hill, passed away suddenly, and her funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, February 27, at which huge crowds gathered to pay their respects.
Geraldine was the beloved wife of Edmund, loving mother of Daniel, daughter of the late Lena and Michael and sister of Marie, Johnny, Bridget, Patsy and the late Elizabeth.
Speaking at the funeral, Geraldine’s son Daniel recalled cherished memories and provided an insight into Geraldine’s life and articulately portrayed her kindness, sincerity, care, sense of fun and witty sense of humor, her unconditional love, achievements (both personal and professional), and beauty (inside and out).
Daniel reminisced with the congregation and spoke of his Mother’s early years; sharing a story his mum had told him during one of their ‘numerous and spontaneous trips down memory lane’, detailed further life-events; marriage, births and Geraldine’s early career in the local family business and her achievements, e.g. winning Strawberry Queen in 1982 during the prestigious festival.
In November 1977 Geraldine’s parents (the late Michael and Lena) and family embarked on their careers as publicans and created what became an iconic legacy premises, Donohoe’s of the Duffry.
Daniel said ‘Donohoe’s was a true family-operated establishment, with all the family, including his Mum always there at the forefront’.
Geraldine was truly portrayed as a devoted and loving mother and supportive wife. Bringing us up to date, Daniel went on to mention the life-changing decision and change Geraldine made in 2008 when she pursued further studies in Counselling and Psychotherapy, progressing from Certificate to Higher Diploma to completing her BA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy with IICP in 2018.
During the offerings section her husband Edmund brought Geraldine’s BA degree forward, a touching tribute as the award was brought forward and presented to the family by Dr. Marcella Finnerty.
Daniel spoke of the challenge associated with returning to education whist juggling a career as Counsellor and Psychotherpaist with local charity organisation; Touched By Suicide. He said Geraldine never viewed her career as ‘just a job’ or ‘a chore’, it was truly a vocation.
At the close of the eulogy Daniel spoke of Geraldine’s attributes; her ability to read or judge a character, her selflessness, her regard for professional care and competence, her resilience and the fact that Geraldine had ‘found her voice’ during her academic studies, her directness and finally Geraldine’s view of the holistic person; how she was always a believer in measuring quality of an individual over quantity.
Geraldine will truly be missed by her family, neighbours, colleagues and friends.
May she rest in peace. Finally, Edmund and Daniel would like to hank Fr. Furlong, as well as family, neighbours, friends, and all those whom travelled distances and sent messages and cards of condolence, but most of all for their tremendous support at this difficult time.
Geraldine’s Month’s Mind Requiem Mass will be celebrated this Saturday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in St Aidan’s Cathedral.