Family woman Mary was a talented gardener and a massive sports fan Knitwear designer to address local networking event
THERE was great sadness in Rathdrum and beyond recently following the death of popular local lady, Mary Driver.
Mary was born in June 1928 in Aughrim, the daughter of Abraham and Catherine Thompson.
Mary was one of three sisters but sadly Teresa and Rose both passed away before her.
Mary married John Joe (who passed away in 2005) and had five children – Seamus, Pauline, Sean, Philomena and Noel. Later she was mother-in-law to John, Andy, Anita, Helen and Jacinta. Mary also had ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mary was a very keen gardener and every year was a prize winner in the competition run by the Rathdrum Development Association. Many holidaymakers passing her house used to stop and take photographs of her lovely garden in Ballygannon.
She went to bingo every Friday night in Rathdrum, where she was a regular winner.
Mary’s love of sport was very evident and she would often be seen at camogie, hurling and football matches. Even just before she was hospitalised, she was at a soccer and football match that her great-grandsons were playing in. She loved to watch all the premiership matches, as well as rugby, boxing and snooker.
She had no problem keeping up with Man Utd, whether it was the Premiership or Champions League – she knew all the players names.
Mary’s pride and joy was her family. She had a busy social life keeping up with weddings, birthdays, christenings, Communions and confirmations.
Mary will be sadly missed by all her children, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and her good neighbours in Ballygannon.
Mary passed away on October 12 and was laid to rest in Glenealy Cemetery. NETWORK Ireland’s Wicklow Branch will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, November 21, in FOOD at Fishers, Newtownmountkennedy.
Starting from 7 p.m., Elaine Madigan, one of Ireland’s leading Cashmere Knitwear Designers, will share her entrepreneurial success story with guests.
Speaking about the workshop, Elaine: ‘Madigan is very much a family business run by my husband, Richard and I. Together, we share a deep love for Irish design, luxury and quality and this passion is ultimately what leads our love for our business.
‘I always had an intense interest in fashion, even as a young girl. I was really blessed to be inspired and taught by my talented mother, who imparted many great insights that have benefited my business. I am looking forward to telling everyone about the ups and downs of my journey to date.’ Network Ireland Wicklow Branch President, Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM said: ‘Madigan is a brand rich in Irish culture and heritage.
In 2009, Elaine opened Couture Boutique in Naas, where she specialised in sourcing, designing and providing luxury products at an affordable price for her clientele. But the seed for the elaine madigan collection was sown in 2012.
‘Elaine wanted to push the boundaries of catering for her clients’ tastes and so designed and manufactured a small collection of luxurious cashmere garments for her own boutique.
‘This collection had a phenomenal reaction and sold out immediately and it was from there that elaine madigan cashmere blossomed. Elaine’s success is a testament to her talent and I’m really looking forward to hearing her personal story.’
Rebecca Harrison of Fishers, Newtownmountkennedy is the 2017 President of Network Ireland and set up Network Ireland Wicklow Branch.
She said: ‘Network Ireland’s Wicklow branch was set up a year ago last November and I have been so pleased to see the branch grow month on month.
‘Every month I have seen new connections being made that benefit Wicklow women both personally and professionally.
‘I’m delighted that the professional development that the Network offers has helped many Wicklow women over the last 12 months.
‘We are so pleased to have a successful entrepreneur and designer like Elaine sharing her experience at our next meeting so we can learn and benefit from her experiences.’
Tickets to the November meeting are free for members of Network Ireland and €30 for guests who wish to pay at the door.
An early booking price of €20 is available online until November 20.
Booking is advisable.