The Quay, Westport
A native of Ayle, Westport, she was daughter of the late Patrick and Elizabeth King and was aged 84 years. She was married to Jack Murphy, former general manager at Pollexfens’ Mills, The Quay, Westport, for 54 years. Jack died in September 2001.
Sara was a woman of quiet and gentle disposition. She was a prominent member of Westport Bridge Club for many years. An avid reader, she kept right up to date with current affairs at local, national and international level. She was well known for baking wonderful cakes and scones and no visitor to her home ever left without savouring her baking fare.
Sarah was never a member of Westport Tidy Towns Committee, but as mentioned in a tribute to her in last week’s Mayo News, she was one of the most ardent supporters of the committee’s work. Daily, and in all kinds of weather, she combined her outdoor walk on the Quay with her own litter pick. She had huge admiration for the work of Westport Town Council, Mayo County Council and Westport Tidy Towns Committee in caring for the environment. Her daily litter pick along the Quay, done quietly and without fuss, was her contribution to that work.
While she never sought recognition for it and, indeed, would have shunned all publicity for her efforts, tributes were regularly paid to her at the annual meetings of the Tidy Towns Committee.
She will be sadly missed by her sons William and Pat, daughter Mary, Sister Gránia Toland (Derry, N. Ireland), nephew Dr Edward King (Keel), King and Bourke relatives throughout Mayo, in-laws, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers Ned, Joe and Patrick, and sisters Betty Durand and Joy Wulz.
Removal was from Navin’s Funeral Home to St Mary’s Church, Westport, where Fr. Denis Carney officiated at the reception ceremony.
The concelebrants of her Funeral Mass were Fr Denis Carney, Fr Ger Burns and Fr Willie Spicer. Family members read the lessons and Prayers of the Faithful and the funeral liturgy was beautifully complemented by the singing of St. Mary’s Church Choir under the direction of parish organist, Gabriel Kelly.
In his homily Fr Carney spoke of Sara’s great faith which saw her as a regular attender at Mass and other services in St. Mary’s Church while her health permitted. He spoke of her devotion to her late husband and family and her commitment to her community, manifested through her care of the local environment. On behalf of his fellow priests and the people of the parish he extended sympathy to William, Pat, Mary and Sara’s extended family on their sad loss.
She was laid to rest in Aughavale Cemetery. Peace to her gentle and caring soul.
