South Mayo woman who became a Dunmore legend passes away

Eileen Egan, Carrowkeelanahglass, Dunmore, who died peacefully in her 98th year in the loving care of her best friend John and the wonderful staff at Central Park Nursing Home, Clonberne, was formerly Heaney from Killeenrevagh, Scardaune, and was the last of her generation of the Heaney family.

Eileen was truly from the ‘grand old school’ of the rural West and was blessed with a wonderful and kind nature. There was always a hearty welcome for all callers to the home of Eileen and Martin in Carrowkeel and many were the people who enjoyed her exceptional baking skills over the years. Generous tributes have been paid to Eileen during the Christmas as friends reflecting on her gracious contribution to the life of the region.

Brian Gilmore, Köln Germany, commented: “For us as kids she was the ‘Queen of Carrowkeel’, a legend in her own time. Her Christmas cake was to die for (even in the middle of July) and we will always remember taking the Egan bypass road for a cup of tea on the way home from the bog! Rest in peace, Eileen!” Deirdre Finnegan recalled childhood memories of her lovely home in Carrowkeel with the open fire, her baking and her warm welcome. “Eileen was always quick to send good wishes for birthdays and milestones and kept up with technology and her hobbies.”

Well known Dunmore native, John Knightly, stated: “There was always a great welcome from Eileen and John to her house in Carrowkeelinghlas and beautiful baking. I doubt if there was any child who went to Ballinlass National School who didn’t experience her warmth and hospitality.”

Reposing was at Glynn’s Funeral Home, Dunmore, on December 19 with removal afterwards to the Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas, Dunmore. Interment took place in the local cemetery following celebration of the funeral Mass on December 20.

Eileen, who was predeceased by her husband Martin, her sisters Mary Teresa, Annie, Kathleen and infant Philomena, brothers Paddy Joe, Mick, Gabe and John Heaney, her brothers-in-law, Eddie and Johnny Egan and the extended family, with be deeply missed by her loving and caring nephew-in-law John Gleeson and by her nephews and nieces Joe, Frank and Mary Kearney (Lackagh) and Mary, James, Josephine, Paddy and John Higgins (Lissatava)) and their families, her loyal extended in-laws, Gleeson family, Shanballymore, Healy family, Gatestown, Joyce family, Garryduff, Donnellan family, Lavally, as well as the Egan family of Lissyconner, along with the extended Heaney, Whelan and Egan families and her many loyal and devoted friends, neighbours and relations.