'Heartbroken': Longford community mourns passing of highly regarded mother and daughter

The community of Ballymulvey, Ballymahon experienced a difficult loss over Christmas when the funeral services for a mother and daughter took place within five days of each other.

The funeral of Mary Casey (née Breheny), Ballymulvey, Ballymahon, Longford, who died peacefully on Friday, December 20, in Mullingar Regional Hospital in her 90th year, was followed by the funeral mass of her daughter Mary Clancy (née Casey).

Mary Clancy's funeral was celebrated on Friday, December 27, after she died on Monday, December 23 the same day her mother Mary was laid to rest in Forgney.

Fr Liam Murray led the Funeral Mass, which was concelebrated by Fr John Roan and Fr Tom Barden.

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Fr Murray welcomed all who attended the ceremony and the many who joined online. He said: “It is particularly poignant coming together again after four days having celebrated the funeral mass of Mary's mother.”

The priest spoke of “an illness bravely borne” that ultimately claimed a woman “fondly remembered by so many people”.

The gifts to remember the departed included a choir baton, a plush dog toy to represent her love of animals, a picture of her home, a hand knitted Aran cardigan, and a special Olympics t-shirt. The congregation heard of the life of a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

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“Her care and support was very much a part of her life,” Fr Murray said, “Even in illness her thoughtfulness and care was still a part of her life.”

Seán Clancy gave a moving farewell to his mother at the end of the ceremony. He described a woman “who filled so much life into 60 years” and spoke of the hard fight she had against her illness, saying: “She was stubborn to the last.”

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“The two Marys were taken from us,” Sean said, “We are so heartbroken, but it is such a relief that the two Marys went off together, having the bants.”

He spoke of his mother as a spiritual person who loved nothing more than going on long walks through the forest or up the hills.

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Seán recalled his mother's love of music and her devotion to performing in church choirs. He encouraged the congregation to celebrate his mother's life: “Don't go out of here with a tear in your eye, but go out with a song in your heart.”

Mary is sadly missed by her husband John, son Seán, daughter Megan, their partners Lisa and Ed, brothers Pat and John, devoted sister Catherine (Dilli), grandchildren Tomas and Aoife, relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends.

Mary's mother, Mary Casey, was predeceased by her husband Michael and sympathy is extended to her sons and daughters Pat, Catherine and John, their partners, her grandchildren Sean, Megan, Shane, and Cian and their partners, her great grandchildren Tomas and Aoife, her brothers Patrick, Sean and Michael and their partners, nieces, nephews, relatives friends and neighbours.

May they Rest In Peace.