Deep sadness as fond memories of an elegant lady Helen Horan evoked

FOND memories of Helen Horan, Kevinsfort and Boyle, described variously as “warm, fun loving, stylish and charming”, were evoked this week as family and friends struggled to come to terms with her death following a road traffic collision on New Year’s Eve.

The two-car collision occurred circa 5pm on the N4 at Doon, near Boyle, Co Roscommon.

Helen had only recently returned to Kevinsfort in Sligo, having lived for ten years in Boyle. Originally from Ballyfarnon, Helen was a real lady. Hugely popular, she was simply great with people and known by so many.

She was a keen and competitive golfer at Strandhill Golf Club where she featured regularly in the winners’ enclosure - before she moved to Boyle.

In her late 80’s, a measure of Helen’s ‘young at heart’ spirit was underlined recently when she told friends she was looking forward to getting back to playing golf at Strandhill GC when she settled into her new base at Kevinsfort.

She worked as a Sales Executive with North West Radio in Sligo from its inception in 1990 to its closure in 2002.

Tommy Marren, Station Manager at the former North West Radio, recalled Helen as a “gentle, likeable and glamorous lady who was popular with staff and customers alike.”

The Tubbercurry man said: “She was very approachable, kindhearted, meticulous in her work and there was no grey area with Helen, you always knew where you stood as she viewed things in black or white. She was hugely reliable and a real asset to the radio station during her time there.”

He recalled that Helen’s background was in accountancy, adding “she was brilliant with figures”.

Tommy, a current affairs presenter and Station Manager with Mid West Radio, remained friends with Helen long after the closure of north west Radio and was speaking to Helen recently by phone, recalling in perfect pitch one of Helen’s signature sayings, “I have so much to do,” as they signed off from that call.

“As a co-worker she was superb, but as a friend she was so special. All of us who had the joy of working with her and the privilege of getting to know her, will miss her radiant smile and her sense of fun,” he said.

Helen, nee Kelly, was predeceased by her husband Kieran Horan, daughters Siobhán and Moya, sisters May Arney (Boyle), Tessie Emmett (Ballyfarnon) and Lily Gilchrist (Longford).

Helen’s death is deeply regretted by her sister Nuala Mc Kenna (Boyle), brothers Pat Kelly (Boyle), Joe Kelly (UK), and sister-in-law Ann, granddaughters Hannah and her partner Karl, Samantha and husband Seán, also her great-grandson Max, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and her many friends.

She will be sadly missed by them and by all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, Boyle tomorrow, Friday, January 5, at 12 noon, followed by private cremation.

May she rest in peace.