Mayo community in mourning after sudden weekend passing

There is profound sadness throughout the Claremorris and Kilmaine area in the aftermath of the news of the passing of Phil Waldron, Ballinastandford, Claremorris, Mayo, at the weekend.

Phil died following a very brief illness, and the news came as a huge shock to her legion of friends around the region.

READ MORE: Mayo among Top 10 Places to visit in Ireland by The Times

Phil was a member of the well-known McGrath family from Kilmaine, who are synonymous with Mayo GAA over the decades.

Her brother Joe was the recipient of an All-Star award back in 1979, while another brother, PJ, who resided in Claremorris, was referee for the famous Offaly v Kerry All-Ireland Final of 1982 when a late goal from Seamus Darby gave the midlanders a famous victory and ended Kerry’s bid for five-in-a-row.

Phil had a great love for céilí and line dancing and enjoyed many special occasions with her close friends.

She was an active member of the Claremorris Pastoral Council and was a regular Minister of the Eucharist in St Colman’s Church as well as being a member of the Funeral Liturgy team. Only last weekend, Phil had been listed on the rota of Eucharistic Ministers for the Saturday evening Mass.

Reposing takes place at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris, this evening, Tuesday, July 1, from 6 pm to 8 pm with removal afterwards to her residence. Phil’s funeral cortege will arrive at St Colman’s Church on Wednesday for the funeral Mass at 3 pm with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

READ MORE: Priests sought for Reek Sunday Pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick

Phil, who was predeceased by her husband Tom in 2015, and also by her brothers, PJ, Gerard, and Vincent and her sister, Geraldine (Courtney), will be greatly missed and remembered with so much affection by her daughters Deirdre and Orlagh and son Eoin, her son-in-law Gareth Tolan, daughter-in-law Ann-Marie (Lardner), her grandchildren Grace, Cara, Siún and Tom, her partner Liam O’Dea, her brothers and sisters Mary (Gaughan), Una (Durcan), Cyril, Joan (Shaughnessy), Des and Joe, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.