Tralee mourns a lady of great spirit and generosity

THE RECENT death of Cathleen (Cathy) Dillane (nee O’Connor), Clahane, Ballyard, Tralee, closes a chapter in the annals of Clahane, Blennerville and Spa Road, Tralee.

Cathy was loved and respected by family, neighbours and friends. She was light of heart and generous of spirit, believing that it didn’t cost anything to be nice to people.

Indeed time spent in Cathy’s company was sure to bring a smile and one never left without having a good laugh and never in bad humour. Cathy was never judgmental and treated all with respect. But woe betide anyone who got under her wick, as she didn’t suffer fools gladly.

Cathy’s house in Clahane was akin to the old Rambling House where people who crossed the threshold were assured of Céad Míle Fáilte. Time was immaterial and many hours were spent reminiscing about old times, while indulging in a cupán tae or a little uisce beatha.

Cathy was a Christmas Baby, born on December 28, 1928, one of a family of eight to Con O’Connor and Mary Houlihan, Spa Road, Tralee. The family moved to Hare Street before residing in Blennerville, where she grew up and went to school.

Cathy worked in Heatherville Farm, the offices in Denny’s and the Manhattan Hotel. But the job she will best be remembered for was when she ran the show in Vincent O’Sullivan’s Delicatessen in Castle Street, Tralee.

That was where many of the people who knew her best got to meet her first. Cathy and Vincent had a great working relationship and while she did most of the cooking, she always made time to meet and greet the customers. Cathy’s dictum was that none left Vincent’s hungry.

Neighbours have said that when they came to live in Clahane, Cathy was one of the first people to welcome them to the area. Cathy loved the craic and she loved people and they in turn reciprocated that love.

Whatever the occasion whether it was the launch of the Jeanie Johnston, Windmill Threshing Days, parties, weddings, funerals or football matches, Cathy would be in the thick of it.

She loved the bog and the days when the turf was coming home. She had the steaks in the frying pan for the meitheal like days of old.

Cathy fell in love with and married Michael Dillane in 1958 and they were blessed with one son, Patrick, who was always the apple of her eye.

Michael sadly passed away 26 years ago and since then Cathy and Patrick have been inseparable.

Her brother Donal was a great support to Cathy and was always on call to help with any house maintenance.

He never failed to pick them up for Mass on a Saturday night, which Cathy very much appreciated. Many others were kind and generous with their time and this will never be forgotten by her family.

Cathy is sadly missed by her son Patrick, brothers Thomas and Donal, sister Bernadette, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Cathy was waked at home in Clahane as was her wish. Her remains reposed at the Gleasure Funeral Home with removal to St John’s Church on Friday.

Following Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10.00 o’clock, interment took place in Rath Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her late husband Michael.