Mary travelled the country to see her beloved Daniel
MARY McDonagh, 55 Aghameen Park, Dundalk, who died on 15 June, 2018, was a lady who loved her family and lived her life for them. Outside the home she enjoyed playing bingo and travelling the country to see favourite singer Daniel O’Donnell perform.
Mary hailed from Lisdoo, the second eldest of 12 children of Paddy and Kathleen McDonagh. Except for a couple of years, she spent all of her life in Dundalk.
She moved to Athlone, where her husband Johnny is from, after they married, but the outbreak of the Northern Troubles caused them to move back to Dundalk when Johnny, a member of the Irish army, was transferred.
That move became permanent. The couple first resided with Mary’s parents, then obtained a house in Cox’s Demesne before making a final move to Aghameen Park in 1983.
Mary devoted herself to the task of raising and nourishing their eight children, rendered somewhat easier by her love of cooking and having a soft, loving nature.
She was also strong-minded and would do anything for anybody.
Mary liked shopping, especially for clothes, and could spend no end of time at that pursuit. She also enjoyed holidays to Boston and New York to see family members, and visiting favourite places in this country, such as Killarney, Galway and Tralee.
In her younger days she enjoyed ballroom dancing in the former Adelphi ballroom. However, above all she loved bingo and attending concerts by Daniel O’Donnell.
She was a big fan of the singer, travelling the length of the country, taking in Killarney, Cork, Mayo and Donegal to listen to him.
She was a fan too of the High Kings and their folk music, and her varied taste also included an appreciation of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Growing up she went to Realt na Mara school, then took up employment at a young age PJ Carroll’s.
Later in life she worked in the Lisdoo Arms and the Fairways Hotel.
She met her future husband Johnny at her brother’s wedding.
Mary was admitted to hospital after Christmas and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
She was predeceased by brothers, David and Thomas; and grand-daughter, Teresa; along with her parents, Paddy and Kathleen.
She will be very sadly missed by her husband, Johnny; sons, Patrick and Séamus; daughters, Kathleen, Margaret, Michelle, Sharon, Siobhán and Melissa; brothers, John, Paddy, Michael, Martin and Kieran; sisters, Kathleen, Winifred, Brigid, Nora, Margaret and Jacqueline; sons-in-law, daughter in-law, 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, aunts, Margaret and Nellie; brothers- and sisters in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, wonderful friends and neighbours.
After reposing at her residence on Saturday and Sunday, Mary was removed on Monday afternoon to Saint Nicholas’ Church, Bridge Street. Father Frank Corry SM Holy Family parish celebrated Requiem Mass during which he delivered a lovely eulogy.
Mary’s grandchildren participated in various parts of the Mass. They took up the gifts symbolising Mary’s life, which included a family tree and family photograph, her glasses, walking stick, a Daniel O’Donnell CD and bingo book.
They also gave the Readings, and led the Prayers of the Faithful, and brought up the Offertory gifts. Grandnephew, Shane also recited one of the prayers.
Séamus spoke lovingly of his mother.
The music at the Mass was a fitting reflection of Mary’s life with Daniel O’Donnell songs played and others she enjoyed by Ed Sheeran, Michael English and Brendan Shine.
Burial followed in Saint Patrick’s cemetery.
The Month’s Mind Mass for Mary will take place on Sunday, 15 July next at 11am in the Church of The Holy Family.