RIP: 'Forever granny' of Mayo youth organisation laid to rest

MARGARET McLoughlin (née Murphy), Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris, Mayo, who died recently in Galway Hospital, was especially associated with the nursing profession and the family involvement with the ninth Mayo Claremorris Scouts.

She was predeceased by her husband Seamus in July 2024.

Margaret was born in Roscommon town in 1932 and her parents were from Wexford.

Her father was among the early members of An Garda Síochána and she retained a special bond with Wexford all through her long life.

Margaret was nursing in London when she met Seamus McLoughlin from Tiernaur, Mulranny, who also spent some years there.

They married and made their home in London for a good many years. Six of their family of seven were born in England.

They moved to Claremorris in 1971 and quickly integrated into the local community.

They established the Scouts and Cubs movement in Claremorris and the family rendered decades of service to Scouting Ireland and were among the most prominent leaders in the western region and further afield.

The Claremorris ninth Mayo Scout Troop, paying tribute to Margaret, said:

“We say a scouting farewell to the forever granny of ninth Mayo. Margaret McLoughlin is one in a million, a legend, kind, caring, funny and loving she has looked after generations of scouts in Claremorris for over 40 years.

"You are with your beloved Seamus and the two of ye will look down on us and mind us from afar. A fond farewell, Margaret, and thanks for everything.”

Many people have joined in the heartfelt tributes to Margaret in recent days. Margaret Burke from Straide said she had many fond and special memories of working with her in Castlebar Hospital.

“Margaret was a kind, caring and spiritual lady. She was pleasant to all she met and was so good to the needy patient and was particularly noted for the extra care and help given to the most vulnerable and those who needed it most.

“She was a true lady, a beautiful midwife who had a great understanding of motherhood and care of the newborn. Margaret, your good work will be remembered.”

Sr Mary Corr recalled the day the family came from Achill and the girls enrolled in Mount St Michael. “I saw all successfully graduate.

"Their home was very hospitable and I knew by repute what a wonderful nurse Margaret was in Castlebar. They invested time and energy in their leadership role in the ‘Scouts’ providing such a service to youth for many years.

“As a family they were no strangers to the Church. They came together to worship.

"I shared their joy when James was ordained to be a permanent deacon for our diocese. He continues to make a significant contribution to his ministry.”

Nuala Byrne, Cullane, Ballindine, said Margaret was a beautiful person and a great colleague in Castlebar.

“I have great memories of our times together on the wards in the hospital in Castlebar. She was such a genuine, kind, friendly and positive person and a brilliant nurse.”

Margaret and Seamus were people of strong and abiding faith and had a great fondness for St Colman’s Church and were regular callers to Knock Shrine where they were known to so many people down through the years.

Reposing was in Gilligan’s Funeral Home Fr Peter Gannon, who was also joined by a number of other priests, was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass and interment took place in St Colman’s Cemetery.

Margaret will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her sons, James, Patrick and Clement, daughters Dolores, Lynn, Imelda and Brigid, her 25 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours.