RIP: Late Betty O'Reilly was one of Mullahoran’s oldest and most respected citizens

Betty O’Reilly, Callanagh, passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Sheelin Nursing Home, Mountnugent on Thursday last, July 3. 

One of nature’s ladies, Betty, who was formerly Tierney from Clonoose, was one of Mullahoran’s oldest and most respected citizens, in her 96th year. 

She was predeceased by her husband Thomas, sister May, brothers Thomas and Seamus and is sadly missed by her son Thomas and daughters Catherine and Frances, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, cousins, nephews and nieces, neighbours and friends. 

Also read: ‘Brown Bread’ filmed entirely in Longford ‘is a modern twist on Irish emigration story’

In her early days Betty worked in Morrissey's shop in Granard cycling in and out daily in all weathers. 

Along with her husband Thomas she spent some time in England before they returned home and settled in Callanagh. 

Living on a farm and rearing her children was no trouble to Betty who was a hard worker whether in the house or outside there was always work to be done. She kept her home in pristine condition and loved baking and cooking. 

She was a member of the local Apostolic Society and very handy with a sewing or knitting needle as was the norm then in most households. 

When her husband passed away, Betty, then in her 70s, learned to drive and had a new lease of life as she took to the road. 

For the last number of years she had been a resident in Sheelin Nursing home where she was very much at home and so well looked after. 

Also read: Historic landmark property in the heart of north Longford town on the market

Her remains reposed at Reilly’s Funeral Home in Kilcogy on Friday and on Saturday morning there was a Guard of Honour from the Apostolic Society as her remains arrived at Our Lady of Lourdes church, Mullahoran for funeral. 

The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe McGrath and burial took place in the local cemetery. May Betty’s gentle soul rest in peace.