RIP: Longford mourns death of Esther Casey ‘a lady of action and boundless energy’
Late Esther Casey (née Reehill), ‘School House’, Stonepark, Ballymacormack, Longford
The late Esther Casey, who passed to her eternal reward on Tuesday, October 13, has been remembered as ‘a lady of action and boundless energy’.
Esther Casey (née Reehill), ‘School House’, Stonepark, Ballymacormack, Longford lived a long, full and remarkable life. She was one of the most loving, generous and kind-hearted people anyone could hope to know.
She was devoted to her beloved husband, Anthony, and to her four children, Tom, Margaret Mary, Geraldine and Veronica, of whom she was immensely proud.
Esther and Anthony shared a remarkable partnership, built on love, faith, hard work and mutual respect. Married for almost 64 years, they devoted their lives to each other and to their family.
Together they raised their children, providing them with a strong foundation of love, values and opportunity. They worked tirelessly, not only to support their own family but also to support the local school, where Anthony served as principal and played such an important role in the community.
Esther was a woman of boundless energy who seemed to be involved in everything. Her commitment to family was unwavering, and the values she cherished were reflected in the way she lived her life each day.
Despite her many responsibilities, she always found time to contribute to her community. She served as a Presiding Officer during local elections, worked part-time on the tote at Longford Greyhound Track, and generously volunteered her time with Longford Credit Union.
Whether through her work, her volunteering, or simply her presence, Esther made a positive difference in the lives of so many people. She believed in giving back, staying connected, and playing her part in the community she loved. Her kindness, dependability and generous spirit earned her the respect and affection of all who knew her.
When we think of Esther, we think of action. Where others saw problems, Esther saw possibilities. Where others saw obstacles, Esther saw opportunities to help. She poured her time, energy and enormous heart into making life better for those around her.
Esther did not simply live in her community; she helped build it, nurture it and hold it together. Where others saw people in need, she saw neighbours deserving of care, kindness and support.
For many years, she was at the heart of countless local initiatives. Drama, Irish dancing, salesperson of the year competitions, St Patrick's Day parades, crafts, pitch and putt, whist drives and fundraisers all benefited from her enthusiasm and leadership. She introduced Civil Defence to the locality, leading to volunteers providing support at major events throughout Longford.
In 1981, Esther helped establish the Ballymacormack ICA Guild. She held various offices within the Guild and remained actively involved until Covid brought activities to a halt. She also served at Federation level for many years, making a significant contribution to the ICA across the county and country.
Esther introduced Scór to Stonepark, and Tops of the Town was founded there through her vision and determination. Whatever Esther set out to do, she committed herself wholeheartedly. She believed in giving her best and encouraging others to do the same.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1986, Esther was honoured with the County Longford Person of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding community service. This included organising tours for ICA members and elderly people, as well as her work with Longford Credit Union.
To many, Esther was a pillar of strength. To those who knew her best, she was also a source of warmth, encouragement and love. She was a devoted wife and mother who brought the same commitment to her family that she brought to every community project she embraced.
Esther was an architect of connection. She possessed a quiet but unstoppable power. She never sought recognition or titles; she sought results. She knew how to inspire volunteers, encourage local businesses to support worthy causes and bring people together through her warmth, determination and endless optimism.
She believed deeply in the dignity of every person. She had a sharp wit, a comforting presence and an energy that seemed boundless. People were drawn to her because she cared so genuinely and gave so generously of herself.
Her faith was the anchor of her life. She found comfort in prayer, in lighting candles and in listening to hymns. Her trust in God sustained her throughout life's joys and challenges.
In recent years, a fog slowly descended. While her memory and independence gradually started to fade, they never diminished the essence of who she was. The kindness, generosity, faith and love that defined Esther remained untouched.
Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the community she strengthened and the countless lives she touched. She leaves behind a lasting example of service, compassion and love, and she will be remembered with gratitude, affection and admiration by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The late Esther Casey was pre-deceased by her parents Thomas and Mary, sister Nonie, brothers Jimmy, Frank, Gerry and Paddy and most recently (Tuesday, September 8, 2026) by her beloved husband and best friend Anthony.
Esther will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, daughters Margaret (Mary), Geraldine and Veronica, son Tom, sister Mary (Thompson), brothers Tommy and Johnny, Geraldine’s partner Paul, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Esther reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday, October 16 and Mass of the Resurrection took place on Saturday in St Dominic’s Church, Kenagh, followed by interment afterwards in Ballymacormack cemetery. May she rest in peace.