Longford and Kenagh saddened by death of lady who immersed herself in community life

Sadly, we record the death of local lady Mary Gerety (nee Hanlon), Derralough, Kenagh which occurred at her residence on Friday, January 20, 2023, in the loving care of her family who were with her all during her recent illness which took a serious turn just before Christmas.

Mary, who was in her eighty-seventh year, was a very well known local personality who grew up in Longford town but always in touch with rural life.

After she married her husband Tommy in the early sixties she immediately became immersed in the social, domestic and agricultural life of the community.

Along with rearing her family she kept one foot in farming and gardening. She was a very keen gardener and was also a very capable bee keeper being the proud owner of a half dozen hives. She was also a very accomplished cook making use of her own produce from her garden.

Alongside her domestic life Mary was very much involved in the social life of the parish. In her early years she organised a camogie club which involved all the young local ladies of the time. Being a good camogie player herself she played for the county on a few occasions.

Mary was also a very active member of the Kenagh ICA branch and was very much involved in ICA activities at local and county level. She was also a founder member of Kenagh Community Co/op.

Being an aunt of former GAA Ard Stiurthoir Liam Mulvihill she had a keen interest in GAA affairs at all levels.

Mary was the only daughter of Joe and Doctor Teresa Hanlon.

She was predeceased by her husband Tommy and infant son John, and parents Joseph and Teresa (née Jones). 

Dearly loved mother of Máire Monaghan, Teresa McEnteggart, Padraig, Tom, Michelle Balili, Ailís Kehoe and Aidan.

Forever missed by her children, her brothers Ciarán and Michael, sister-in-law Ena, sons-in-law Tommy, Eamonn, Artur and Pat, daughter-in-law Kathy, grandchildren Áine, Padraig, Bríd, Seán, Tara, Caitríona, Ciarán, Eimear, Aisling, Sinéad, Fionn, Laoise, Emma, Orla and Méabh, great-grandchildren Lauryn, Mark and Ellen, nieces, nephews, and wide circle of cousins, friends and neighbours.

Her funeral mass was celebrated in Saint Dominic's Church, Kenagh on Monday, January 23 followed by burial in Shrule cemetery.