Tributes paid to cherished member of Mayo community

Ann Heneghan, Mossbrook, Claremorris, who died recently in the Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, following a brief illness, was a cherished and greatly respected lady around the Facefield, Mayo Abbey and Claremorris region.

Her warm smile and gracious nature always shone through and ensured that Ann was a welcome person in any company. The Heneghan family were embedded in a special way in this rural community and her late father Jim was a legendary GAA referee and official in south Mayo in former times.

Ann and Joe were very much at the heart of the local community and family members were synonymous with the Scór na Óg set dancing over the years when they won several county titles and represented Mayo with great distinction.

Ann was an employee of Travenol (later to become known as Baxter) in Castlebar for several years where she made life-long friends. She always loved to meet up with colleagues from those times and share special memories.

Many have joined in the warm tributes to Ann since her passing. Gráinne Kelly-Frayne, Knock, said Ann was a great lady, full of fun and a genuine person. We had many great times and trips away with the girls when they were with the Facefield Set Dancers and I have truly fond memories of great times past.

“Ann loved bingo as did her late Mom. I remember getting loads of comics from Ann as a child. My Mom would bring them home from bingo to us. It was like winning the lotto in those days. I can only imagine the heartache you are going through at the loss of such a wonderful wife, mom and granny.”

TJ and Pauline Wilson, Facefield, commented: “Ann was a gentle and kind person with a smile always on her face. We will always remember our many bus trips out with the girls set dancing competitions where many a good day, hearty laugh and such fun took place.”

Helen Lyons, Breaffy, recalled the good old days together in Castlebar: “I worked with Ann in Travenol (Castlebar) back in the day. She was a pleasure to work with and great fun and up for devilment. She was a friend to all.”

Reposing was at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris. Her funeral Mass was celebrated in Mayo Abbey Church with interment afterwards in the local cemetery.

Ann, who was predeceased by her parents Jim and Mary (Ciss) and her sister Vera Murphy, will be greatly missed by her husband Joe, sons Adrian and Bryan, daughters Lee-Ann Heffernan, (Townalough), Kerrie Tierney, (Loughrea) and Aisling, (Mayo Abbey), her brother Martin, (Kilmaine), daughter-in-law Linda, sons-in-law Christy and Brian, Bryan's partner Hannah and Aisling's partner Bradley.

Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Kaden, Alex, Jamie, Chloe, Charlie, Danny, Nicole and Jayden, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours.