Robeen
Born in Robeen in the 1930s, she was the youngest of a family of seven. Most of the family emigrated as was normal for the times. In June 1958, she married Martin O’Brien from Clooncormack, Hollymount, and they raised a family of four. The couple celebrated their golden jubilee in June of this year.
Angela and Martin were people of the land, and she worked on the land and in the home all her life. It was a way of life that came naturally to her, and she always felt at ease and content in the quiet and peace of the rural countryside.
She had a great rapport with people and herself and Martin loved going to the singing pubs over the years. They were regulars in the Squealing Pig in Ballyglass, the Punch Bowl in Ballyheane, Trench’s in Robeen, Hughes’ in Hollymount, the Blackbird in Roundfort, Bourke’s of Irishtown, Costello’s in Ballinrobe, Frank O’Reilly’s in Ballyvary and many more. They were always together on such social occasions and knocked out a great time.
In her younger days, she played camogie for a few seasons and retained an active interest in gaelic games all her life.
Back in the 1960s, she took part in several local drama presentations, some of which were fundraisers for the schools. She was a real natural on stage and made each role her own.
Angela was an ardent listener to Mid West Radio and she had her own favourite shows that she tuned into on a regular basis. Her favourite music was country and traditional Irish, and she had a love of the music all down the years. She played the accordion on a regular basis and loved to join in a sing-song.
One of her favourite pastimes was the game of 25 and Angela played at games all over South Mayo where she enjoyed meeting people and making new friends.
She took an active interest in politics and was delighted when her son Patsy was elected a member of Mayo County Council in 2004. It was a proud day for her and Martin and all the family.
Angela O’Brien contributed much to her beloved parish of Robeen over many years and she will be greatly missed by her devoted family and many friends.
The very large gathering at the funeral ceremonies reflected the special regard in which she was held by so many people in the community. Removal was from O’Malley’s Funeral Home in Ballinrobe to Robeen Church, with interment in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Paddy Sheridan, assisted by Fr John Kilcoyne, SMA Africa, a relative of the family.
Angela is deeply regretted by her husband, Martin; daughter, Regina (An Cladrach, Ballinrobe); sons, Patsy (Robeen), Vincent (Manchester) and Tommy (Robeen); daughters-in-law, Anne and Barbara; son-in-law, Gerry Hogan; grandchildren; brother, Joe (Robeen); sisters, Kathleen (Mantua, Castlerea) and Nora (Manchester); nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
