Tiernaur, Newport
ON Saturday, June 25, the communities of Tiernaur and Castlebar were shocked by the sudden death of a true lady, Belinda Smith (nee Keane).
Her untimely passing is felt most strongly by her heartbroken only child Jacinta, son-in-law Paul and grieving partner John.
Belinda too, was an only child to Martin and Annie Keane of Tiernaur, Newport. Following her mother’s death when Belinda was aged just 17 months, her aunts Maggie and Sarah helped Martin raise a beautiful, caring and kind-hearted lady.
Many knew Belinda, or Linda as she was fondly known in Castlebar, from her job in Thomas Moran and Sons funeral directors on Tucker Street. She was synonymous with ‘Rockys’, and her gentle nature and compassion in helping bereaved families was unique. She was due to celebrate her fortieth year working in Moran’s this December, but God had other plans for this angel.
Belinda was never happier than when she was in her own home, out in the garden tending to her flowers or feeding her animals - the hens, ducks, donkeys and cows. Her ability to get things done would put many of us to shame and neighbours often commented on how she found the time to attend to the farm, make the hay, cut the turf in the bog and hold a full-time job and yet she never seemed to tire and was always well presented.
Belinda took great pride in her appearance which was evident by her never-ending selection of new outfits and her bi-weekly trip to Its U hairdressers where she would catch up on the news in the town and fill everyone in on the goings-on of her beloved daughter, whom she was so very proud of. Belinda’s other passion was dancing. She loved country and western music and her favourites were Nathan Carter, Mike Denver and Jimmy Buckley. Her dancing buddies will miss her terribly, jiving and waltzing on a Saturday night in the dance halls of Claremorris, Bundoran and Roscommon.
While Belinda had been ill for many years, she kept this to herself, not wanting to burden others, for that was the kind of woman Belinda was, always putting others before herself. Her kindness, sincerity and generosity to those in the village was echoed time and time again since her passing by many a story of how she visited the elderly or sick, bringing the daily newspaper, fresh eggs, or simply her bright smile which would warm any household.
Belinda’s remains reposed at her home in Roskeen, Tiernaur and the esteem in which Belinda was held was clear for all to see from the outpouring of sympathy from her wide circle of family, friends and neighbours, who came from near and far to say goodbye to a lady who was one in a million.
The morning of her funeral dawned bringing with it dark clouds and heavy rain which mirrored the family’s pain and sorrow. Belinda’s remains were received into St Brendan’s Church Tiernaur by Fr Tod Nolan. A packed church will remember a beautiful Requiem Mass which was celebrated by Fr Nolan, Fr Seán Flynn, Fr Michael Farragher and Fr Ger Burns, with music provided by the talented Ginnelly sisters, Caroline and Belinda.
Belinda’s family took active parts in the ceremony, including the bringing of gifts to the altar which reflected her love of life and the outdoors - her dancing shoes, flowers from her immaculately kept garden, eggs from her own hens and a scarf from her huge collection of accessories
As Belinda took her final journey past her home in Roskeen, with its flowers standing tall for their beloved owner, the clouds finally parted and the sun climbed high in the sky as Belinda was laid to rest with her parents in Burrishoole Cemetery.
Belinda devoted her life to helping others and nobody will ever truly know of the countless kind deeds she carried out in a completely selfless manner. When such a brilliant light is extinguished so unexpectedly the world suddenly seems a darker place, but all her family hope that those who knew Belinda will hold those memories close and remember the happy times, as she would have wanted.
Belinda is also deeply missed by her sisters-in-law Kasha, Judy, Ethel and Ann, brothers-in-law Jackie and Ger, aunts Nora and Agnes, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbours and the staff of Thomas Moran and Sons Funeral Directors.
Sleep well my wonderful Mam, until we meet again in the dancehall in Heaven.
May she rest in peace.
- Jacinta.
