Mollywasanoutgoingladywhoenjoyeda longlifeandhadaverygenerousnature
MARY (Molly) McArdle, whose death took place on 7 March, 2017, was one of the area’s oldest residents.
She passed away in the Louth County Hospital, surrounded by her family, and would have turned 95 on 8 April next.
Molly was an outgoing lady, who enjoyed a long and healthy life until near the end, and was very well-known throughout the locality, with her generous nature and ability to make friends easily.
She was one of six children of Peter and Mary McArdle, Drumboat, Inniskeen, and was the last surviving member of her family generation.
She started school in Magoney, Inniskeen; but when her mother sadly died at just 33 years of age, Molly was reared by her aunt Sis in Tavanamore, Hackballscross; and continued her education in Shelagh National School.
In 1946, she married John (Jack) McArdle, and after living for a time in Hackballscross, they settled in Belrobin, Kilkerley, Dundalk.
The couple raised a large family of nine, and while that obviously occupied most of her time, in due course Molly found the time to engage in her many interests and pastimes.
Included in all of this, was a short-lived attempt to learn to drive when in her sixties. She realised it was best to stick to her trusty bicycle.
Indeed, Molly was a familiar sight on her bike, travelling to and from Dundalk for the various messages, and also to Mass.
She was a lady of deep faith, and regular Mass-goer, and her many trips abroad included pilgrimages to San Giovanni in Italy, Fatima and Lourdes.
Closer to home, she visited Knock; while she would also travel anywhere there was bingo taking place in Dundalk and Inniskeen.
It was on these many outings that Molly made friends. Her family recalled how she could get on a bus with a crowd of strangers, and by the end of it all, would be friends with everyone.
What’s more, many of these people, from far and wide, stayed in touch, and some were in attendance at her funeral.
She brightened up any place, and was described as the life and soul of the party.
Molly loved singing, and featured on a charity CD which was produced in Kilkerley some years ago.
Her musical talents also extended to playing the mouth organ in her earlier years, and she was an enthusiastic Irish dancer.
She loved animals, and in the past kept goats and hens, and baked bread, all of which was important to her family when times were tough.
She was very well got in the parish. Everyone knew her; and this was reflected in the big turnouts at the wake and funeral.
Molly’s kind nature also extended to looking after her aunt Sis, who had taken her in all those years ago.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Jack; and sisters, Annie, Lizzie and Bridie; and brothers, Ted and Peter.
Molly is survived by her children, Noel, Gerry, Seamus, Peter, Patsy, Marian, Eamon, Tom and Philomena; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
After reposing at her son Peter’s home in Annavackey; her remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by parish priest, Fr. Gerry Campbell.
There was family participation in the Mass in the readings, prayers of the faithful, presentation of gifts and the offertory procession.
Gifts symbolising Molly’s life, her passport, bicycle pump, rosary beads, Pioneer pin and an Irish music CD, were brought to the altar.
Beautiful music and singing was provided by Fidelma Bellew and the Kilkerley choir.
As the coffin was taken from the church, ‘On The Galteemore Mountains’, sung by Molly on the charity CD, was played.
Burial took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
The Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Saturday next, 8 April, 2017, Molly’s birthday, at 6pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley.