The Mayo News

Noreen Mangan, Sky Road, Clifden.  A picture may be worth a thousand words but a smile will cheer a thousand hearts and Noreen Mangan, Sky Road, Clifden, the young woman, who tragically died following a road traffic accident in Galway city recently, cheered the hearts of those people she met on her short journey through life.
As a baby, toddler, teenager and young woman, she radiated lots of love to those around her and it was fitting that the love and affection she gave to so many was returned to her as large numbers of mourners came to bid farewell to a cherished wife, daughter, sister and friend at both her wake and funeral.
Back in 1973, there was great joy and happiness in the Mahon family when Noreen was born in Mayo General Hospital. For her parents, Val and Nora, she was a little treasure, bringing smiles and expressions of joy to everyone. She grew up in a loving and caring environment in the Mahon family. Her first steps on the academic ladder were taken when she was enrolled in Clifden National School. In that school, she was nurtured along the road of life, helped by her teachers and all her school friends. After completing her national school education, she continued her second level education in the Clifden Community School.
Among the places she worked were: Matt O’Sullivan, Auctioneer & Estate Agent, Clifden; Accounts Dept, Kylemore Abbey; Joyce’s Newsagents and Lowry’s Drapery, Clifden. For the past two years she worked along with her husband, Adrian, at Sherry Fitzgerald Kavanagh, Auctioneers and Estate Agents, Clifden.
For Noreen, one of the happiest occasions in her life was when she married Adrian Mangan from Headford in St Joseph’s Church, Galway City, on December 21, 2001.
She was particularly talented at Irish dancing, which she did for pure joy. She learned her dancing at the Celine Hession School of Dancing, Galway. She took part in the Irish Nights held in Clifden for a large number of years and was always prepared to share her dancing talent at any occasion. She loved time spent with her family and friends, especially her nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren. She treated them all in such an individual and special way. She liked to keep fit and in particular taking walks with her loving mother, Nora. She especially loved travelling around Ireland for weekends and taking trips abroad with her husband, Adrian, and would be delighted if there was a chance for her to do some shopping.
Her untimely passing has left a huge void in the hearts of those who loved her, particularly her husband, Adrian, family, relatives and a large circle of friends, as well as the entire Clifden community.
The chief celebrant of the funeral Mass was Fr James Ronayne. He was assisted by twelve priests. Fr James gave a beautiful homily, which was a fitting tribute to Noreen.
The first Lesson was read by Mary Mahon, and the second was read by Michael Mahon. The Responsorial Psalm was prayed by Martin Daly. The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by Noel Mahon, Miriam Daly, Michelle Mangan, Edel Mahon, Des Mangan and Yvonne Keane.
Gifts reflecting aspects of Noreen’s life, were carried to the altar during the offertory by Nora Mahon, Phil Mangan, Hugh Daly, Iseult Daly, Anne Mahon, Paul Mahon, Valerie Mahon, Hugh O’Neill, Sheena O’Malley, Nicholas Hughes and Miriam Daly.
The Post Communion reflection was read by Sr Catherine. At the end of the Requiem Mass her father, Val, paid his daughter a loving tribute.
Her husband, parents, brothers and sisters deeply appreciate and will forever be thankful to all the people who assisted at the scene of the accident - Gardaí, Ambulance Service and hospital staff, led by Mr John Courtney. They wish to express a special thanks to Fr James Ronayne, their kind neighbours, friends and relatives, the people of Clifden and surrounding areas, including the business community, whose help and support during their sad bereavement is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. To all those who travelled long distances, to be with them at the funeral and the days following, the grave diggers, those who organised and sent flowers and wreaths for the grave, Mass cards and Mass enrolments, they say, thank you. A Mass of thanksgiving will be offered for their intentions.
Noreen who was laid to rest in Ardbear Cemetery, Clifden. She is survived by her husband, Adrian; parents, Val and Nora (nee Burke); brothers, Michael (Roundstone), Paul (Clifden) and Noel (Clifden); sisters, Mary Mahon (Mayo), Anne Mahon (Ballyconneely), Valerie Mahon (Australia), Martina Mahon (Clifden) and Edel Mahon (Clifden); brothers-in-law, Nicholas Hughes (Mayo), Hugh O’Neill (Ballyconneely), Simon Pither (Australia), David Walsh (Clifden), Des Mangan (Headford), Martin Daly (Ballygar) and Kevin Fehin (Headford); sisters-in-law, Yvonne Keane (Roundstone), Sheena Mahon (Clifden), Miriam Daly (Ballygar) and Michelle Mangan (Headford); mother-in-law, Phil Mangan, nieces, nephews and godchildren, Noel Mahon, Emma Ridge and Iseult Daly; aunts, uncles, aunts-in-law and uncles-in-law and cousins and all her other relatives and friends, to whom we extend our sincerest sympathies.
We will never forget you, Noreen, and all the happy times and memories we have and will hold in our hearts forever. God bless you always and may your gentle soul find rest in God’s celestial home.
The following poem ‘The Noreen Way’ was written by her sister, Valerie Mahon.

‘Noreen’
by Vincent Fahy

Sleeping Beauty is laid to rest
Our hearts are sad and sore
Noreen, Lovely Noreen
We ne’er will see you more
Clifden’s dancing brightest light
Was extinguished in a flash
Near Quincentennial bridge
In that horrible awful crash

Your Parents’ hearts are broken
Your brother’s and sister’s too
For your dear devoted husband
It’s far too sad and cruel

People came in their thousands
To sympathise and to weep
Beautiful, Lovely Noreen
Just seemed to be asleep

Now you’re dancing with the angels
The Blackbird, a jig, a reel
While those who loved you dearly
Beside your graveside kneel

We’ll never understand
Why God took you away
To meet you yet in heaven
Is for what we hope and Pray

‘The Noreen Way’
by Valerie Mahon
My heart lies in shattered
pieces on the floor,
wanting nothing but silence
close those blinds, shut that door!

Shush, all those people
quieten all the town,
tell them all Noreen’s gone
every smile now a frown.

Quietness and silence
permeates my mind,
numbing the feeling
that’ll do just fine!
But lack of sensation
comes at a price
blocks out all the LOVE
and anything nice
 
For, how could love grow
in a desolate place
you won’t find our Noreen here
she wouldn’t show her face
 
So pull up those blinds
and open that door,
shout at all the people
“come in, fill the floor”
 
sure, dance a little jig,
smiles back on your face,
remember her the way she was
the life and soul of the place

And perhaps make an effort
shoes and handbags, we’ll say,
co-ordinate with jewellery
‘cos that’s the Noreen Way.

Remember her often,
remember her well,
and if times get tough,
it is her you should tell,

For Noreen will help you,
she excelled at this,
and she’ll hold your hand
and give you a kiss.

So thank you dearest Noreen
for being my big sister,
for enriching my life
I will ALWAYS miss you

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