Sr. Macartan Flanagan
THERE has been widespread sadness expressed following the death of Sr. Macartan Flanagan on August 29, 2022.
Born on December 9, 1926, Christmas came early for the Flanagan household in East Port, Ballyshannon when the baby girl arrived, third child of Bernard and Elizabeth Flanagan. Christened Margaret Mary, she was known affectionately as Gretta, and was the centre of much love and care.
Growing up meant learning to hold her own with her six male siblings and she managed to do this very well! Growing up also meant attending the Convent Primary School with the Ballyshannon Sisters of Mercy. Here Gretta was surrounded by a faithfilled atmosphere similar to her own family circle, fun and games as well as learning.
In her teenage years her parents decided to send Gretta as a boarder to Mt. Lourdes, Enniskillen. Once again the Sisters of Mercy entered her life. Gretta enjoyed these years and formed many lasting friendships.
As her studies drew to a close she felt drawn to join the Sisters of Mercy and dedicate her life to God, and so, in 1946, she entered the Convent in Enniskillen.
After two years in religious formation she was received into the Mercy Congregation and given the name Sr. Macartan, called after the Patron Saint of the Clogher Diocese. It was thus she would be known to many generations of young students, parents, teachers, friends.
From 1949-53, Sr. Macartan attended the Dominican College, Sion Hill, Dublin, qualifying as a teacher of Home Economics. Soon she was teaching in Abbey St., then the Convent Primary School.
Later she would be one of the founding teachers in the new St. Fanchea’s School in 1960.
Always rooted in reality she gave her students a practical approach to learning and living, enhanced by her ready wit and natural kindness.
In St. Fanchea’s she set up a flat where the girls learned how to budget for a family, how to care for a baby and younger brothers and sisters. These were happy fruitful days, giving the young students a good foundation, both practical and spiritual, for life.
On her retirement in 1986 she set out for pastures new and spent 10 years in pastoral care in Monaghan General Hospital.
This new role suited her as she enjoyed talking to and listening to the patients and their families. She proved a cheery presence for many in their darkest hours during the years she spent in this new ministry.
In 1997, Sr. Macartan surely deserved a rest and so she returned to her Convent home in Enniskillen. Here she played an active part in the daily life of the Sisters, devoted to a life of prayer and communal living, and visits to her various family members.
In 2016 she celebrated her 90th birthday. She was in her usual good spirits, but it was obvious that the years had taken their toll and she was growing weaker and more tired.
In need of more nursing care she was transferred to St. Macartan’s Home in Clogher. Here, with her usual good humour, she was happy and contented and related easily to the other residents.
As she moved quietly towards her final call, she became more frail but remained peaceful and happy.
That call came for her on the evening of August 29, 2022. She was visited by Srs. Anne Marie and Rose Mcquaid. They found her calm and quiet and thus she went to join her Lord whom she had loved and served so well.
Sr. Macartan was welcomed back to Enniskillen Convent on August 30 by the assembled Sisters. During the ensuing days many tributes were paid to her by her relatives, past colleagues and pupils, the Sisters and the Convent staff
On the morning of September 1, her brother, Tony, his wife, Angela, and friends joined the Sisters in a farewell prayer service. As the hearse made its way to St. Michael’s Church the Sisters of
Mercy, Staff from the Convent, Staff and students from St. Fanchea’s and Mt. Lourdes formed a guard of honour along the Convent avenue and at the entrance to St. Michael’s Church.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated by V. Rev. Monsignor Peter O’reilly P.P., V.G. who spoke movingly of Sr. Macartan’s life and ministry. In attendance were V. Rev. Noel Canon Mcgahan, P.p.,clogher and V.rev. Michael Canon Mcgourty, Srs Rose Marie Conlan and Aine Campbell (Provincial Team), Srs of Mercy from the local Convent and Area Groups, Sr. Macartan’s family members, her past colleagues, pupils and many friends. Burial followed in the Convent cemetery.
Sr. Macartan is survived by her brother, Tony, his wife, Angela, and the wider family circle.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth and Bernard Flanagan, and her brothers, P.B., Joseph, Frank, Teddy and Jude.
Sr. Macartan’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at 6p.m. on Saturday, October 15 in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen. It can be viewed via parish webcam.