LATE SR EILEEN KIELY WAS FORMER BURSAR OF COLUMBAN ORDER

Large turnout from across Kerry attend funeral of Kerry native in Wicklow centre

TRIBUTES are being paid to the late Sr Eileen Kiely of Tarbert, who as a Columban missionary brought relief and comfort to thousands worldwide in a vocation that saw her working in places as far flung as Korea and Chile.

Sister Eileen Kiely passed away peacefully in March 2019 in the loving and gentle care of nursing staff in St Columban’s nursing home in Magheramore Co Wicklow.

Sr Eileen was raised in Barrack Street Tarbert. She attended Tarbert girls’ national school and St Ita’s secondary school in Tarbert.

She qualified as a nurse in St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin. After a few years there she got her calling to join the St Columban Missionary Sisters.

She loved her life with her Columban Sisters and spent years on the missions in Korea, Chile and the USA. In the US, Sister Eileen spent time in Silver Creek, Buffalo NY, New Hyde Park, Boston, San Antonio, Texas, and Chicago. She also delivered pastoral care in Hackney Hospice London.

During her time in Chicago she travelled to Notre Dame University Indiana where she received a degree in accountancy. She spent a number of years as the bursar of the order, during which time she visited all Columban Missionary Centers across the world.

She kept in frequent touch with each of her siblings and relished the numerous family occasions, all through her life.

Sr Eileen had a deep love of nature, flowers, plants, trees, woodlands and all bird life. She always looked forward to the coming of Spring with the arrival of the cuckoo and the swallows.

Sr Eileen was predeceased by her father Dan, Mother Tessie, Sisters Mary Joe (Quirke) Gabriel (McGovern), Brother Tim and nephew Daniel Michael.

Sr Eileen’s death is deeply regretted by her loving Sisters in the St Columban order and also the many Columban priests with who she served abroad on the missions; her siblings, sisters Kathy (Skae) Phil (Moynihan), Margaret (Purtill) Aggie (McMahon) and Imelda (Twomey);

Brothers Pete, Dan, Denis, Pat and Michael; sisters-inlaw, brothers-in-law, aunt Josie (Cork), uncle Pat (Boston), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of dear friends.

Sr Eileen was interred in the St Columban’s Convent cemetery in Magheramore.

Sr Eileen’s month’s mind Mass will be held in her home parish of Tarbert, at St Mary’s Church, on Sunday, May 5, at 11.30pm next.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal dílis

Photo by Domnick Walsh Pupils of Murhur National School, Moyvane on the hunt for Easter Eggs last week with a little help from teacher.

Sr Eileen Kiely