Carmel laid to rest at Kilmore
ON Friday, March 10, the death occurred very peacefully in Valentia Community Hospital of Carmel Walsh (nee Riordan) of Knightstown, who was in the care of the hospital for almost eight years.
Carmel, originally of Morehampton Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, was the daughter of John Maurice Riordan of Carhan outside Cahirsiveen, and Eileen Riordan (nee Fitzgerald of Glenbeigh). She was born on October 4, 1932.
As a result of having two aunts and a grandmother living in Valentia Island, she holidayed there during her youth
There she met and married Valentia Islander Dermot (Dermie) Walsh on April 24, 1954. Dermie, a local boat operator, became the Cox of the Valentia Lifeboat from 1969-82 and passed away on August 27, 1993
Carmel and Dermie resided in Reenglass for the first three years of their marriage and then moved to the nearby village of Knightstown, where she operated a B&B business for a considerable number of years
This B&B accommodation became a landmark venture in the middle of Knightstown, operating in immaculate and pristine style, where hospitality was extended not only to the stranger but complemented by a chat and cup of tea or coffee with friends and neighbours.
Carmel Walsh, one of the last of a very small number of her generation, left in the village of Knightstown and was laid to rest in Kilmore graveyard on Monday, March 13.
Requiem Mass was in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, March 12, and was concelebrated by Fr Larry Kelly PP of Cahirsiveen and Fr Martin Sheehan PP of Caherdaniel. The Mass was also enhanced by the beautiful singing of the Valentia Choir.
A talk on Carmel’s behalf was rendered at Mass by her son Aidan, with bagpipe music at the graveside performed by her son Dermot.
Sincere condolences are offered to her sons Owen, Aidan, Dermot and John, daughters Gillian and Orla, brother Jack Riordan, sister-in-law Siobhán, nephew John Bernard Riordan, grandchildren and all concerned. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. Footnote: The Walsh family would like to sincerely thank Carmel’s extended family of the Valentia hospital for the wonderful love, care and affection accorded to her while there.