Great sadness as South Mayo woman passes away suddenly

Profound sadness was occasioned by the sudden passing of Majella Cahill (née Grier), Lenanaboll, Taugheen, and formerly of Coolroe, Claremorris. Majella (46) was a member of the nursing profession and was held in great regard by her colleagues in the HSE and also by the many patients that she attended to with such kindness and care over the years.

Numerous colleagues and friends have joined in the heartfelt tributes to Majella in recent days. Maria Ryan recalled how she trained with Majella in Galway Hospital 1998-2001. “We have so many memories, fun times, full of craic and laughter. We were a group of seven friends with a bond never to be broken. “Madge always enjoyed the chats, always had a smile, always so kind and always full of style (even in the classroom in our training years!). She was a beautiful person, a brilliant nurse and simply a wonderful woman who will be missed by so many.”

Paula Conway from Balla commented: “Majella was beautiful inside and out. Those of us who knew her well saw her kind heart, gentle soul and her sensitivity. I had the privilege of working alongside her in Oncology in Mayo Hospital and I value the friendship we formed. Being a nurse was an important part of her life for many years.”

Aoife Donoghue from Mullingar said it was a privilege to have known her: “I will always treasure the memories of our training days together and the many special moments we shared over the years since. Sleep peacefully, Madge. You will always be remembered with love and never forgotten.” Marie Severs recalled fond memories from Majella’s time nursing in Galway: “I worked with Majella on St Anthony’s ward and it was always a pleasure to work with her. She was so kind and gentle to all the patients and always wore a smile.”

Another colleague from Galway Hospital, Áine Coughlan, stated: “She was a wonderful nurse, always so kind, and lovely to work with and always ready with a beautiful smile.” Recalling days in Mount St Michael, Claremorris, Ann Marie Concagh from the staff at the school, said: “I have wonderful memories of Majella at school. She was always kind and friendly. I particularly remember her in a busy and fun-filled Transition Year. She was a beautiful person who radiated warmth. May she rest in peace.

The sense of loss felt on the passing of Majella was clearly evident by the large crowds that attended the funeral ceremonies on both days. Deepest condolences are tendered to the Cahill and Grier families at this very sad time. Reposing was at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris, on Thursday. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Sean Flynn, PP, and Fr Martin O’Connor in St Michael’s Church, Taugheen, and this was followed by a private cremation.

Her husband, Brendan, a native of Tipperary, paid a warm tribute to Majella when he addressed the capacity congregation at the start of the Mass. Majella, who was predeceased by her father Martin (Matt) in May 2024, will be greatly missed by her husband Brendan and their family, Grace and David, her mother Mary (née Carney), sister Ann (Duggan), brothers Seamus, Fergal and Peter, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and all Majella’s extended family, her nursing colleagues in the HSE, neighbours and friends.