RIP: Much sadness as Mayo resident(40s) passes away following illness

MUCH sadness was occasioned by the recent passing at the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar of Mairéad Delaney (née Honan), Seefin, Hollymount, Mayo, and formerly of Newtown, Ennistymon, Co Clare.

She died in the kind and loving care of the staff at the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar.

Mairéad, who was in her 40s, was a cherished member of the local community and held a senior position at Boston Scientific in Galway where she was held in incredible regard by her colleagues.

Mairéad and her husband Martin Gerard and their young family have been deeply rooted in the community life of the Garrymore region for some years and closely associated with Gortskehy NS and local sporting events.

This should come as no surprise as Mairéad was a fine athlete and a member of North Clare Athletic Club in former times while also playing GAA in her home country.

Her standing among people in Clare can be gauged from the vast array of tributes from Ennistymon, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Kilshanny and other place in the Banner County.

She had a great fondness for the outdoors and the land and the soil and enjoyed those many gentle and serene times that is such a part of nature’s bounty to those who open their minds to the beauty all around.

The wonderful tributes from her colleagues at Boston Scientific have been extraordinary and reflected the amazing impact she had on the lives of so many.

“Working together with Mairèad was truly a privilege, and her kindness, professionalism, and the positive collaboration we shared will be remembered with great respect.

"Her passing feels especially hard as it came far too soon,” said Nathalie Derue.

Helen Lesch recalled a special friend and the sadness at her passing: “It was such a shock, and we at Boston Scientific are all still trying to process the loss. Mairèad was my direct manager for a couple of years and our fearless HRSD leader.

“She was truly one of the kindest people I have ever had the privilege to know and work with. She was always your biggest supporter, encouraging, generous with her time, and unwavering in her belief in others.

"And she brought so much warmth and laughter with her wonderful sense of humor. She made such a difference to so many of us, both professionally and personally.”

Joan Kelly, ex BSCI, stated: “I worked with Mairéad many moons ago in Boston Scientific. She was a lovely, genuine person and was always so generous with her time.

"She was great fun and I have lovely memories of her from all our work nights out. She was a proud Banner woman and that was evident from talking to her about her beloved Clare hurling team.”

Another colleague, Maria Ní Chonghaile, said Mairèad was such a genuine, caring, kind, and fabulous person: “I feel incredibly lucky to have had her as my manager over the last few years in Boston Scientific where she was a valued colleague and dear friend to many all over the world.

“She was an inspiration to everyone on her team - always bringing people together, full of positivity, and someone who brought out the very best in those around her. I will miss you dearly.”

Marianne McGrath, also of Boston Scientific, said she had the pleasure of working with Mairèad for over 25 years: “She was a fantastic person, a great leader and always good fun to be around.

"I have the fondest memories of Mairéad, from work days to nights out full of laughter, even meeting her at Mayo games, happy we had another Mayo recruit, even one from the Banner county! She will be forever remembered.”

Referring to the qualities radiated by Mairèad during her life, Avril Farrell, Boston Scientific, commented: “Mairèad was such a caring, compassionate person and a truly wonderful colleague.

"She touched the lives of so many through her kindness, warmth, and the genuine support she offered to everyone around her.”

From her home area in Clare, Kevin McNamara from Ennistymon reflected: “Mairèad was one of life’s few treasures. As my neighbour in Newtown for many years, I have many fond memories of Mairèad, Her warmth, wit and generosity and kindness knew no bounds. She was one in a million.”

On a local level, the Board of Management, staff and pupils of Gortskehy NS, were among the many joining in the tributes: “Mairéad, a valued parent in our school community, was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

"We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.”

Throughout her illness, Mairéad was resilient and stoic and her love for her devoted family and her generosity of spirit and amazing kindness was truly inspiration all along the journey.

The sense of loss and almost inexpressible grief was much to the fore at the funeral Mass in Crossboyne Church celebrated by Fr Sean Flynn and Fr Mike Murphy as the hearts of all went out to her husband Martin Gerald and their wonderful young family of Eóghan, Niamh and Fionn who were the centre of their world.

The capacity congregation heard Fr Murphy describe Mairéad as a ‘Banner woman through and through’ and he said one of her favourite photos was taken with her holding the Liam McCarthy Cup after Clare’s All Ireland win in Croke Park.

It was indeed fitting that her coffin was draped in the Clare colours.

Mairéad will be greatly missed by her husband Martin Gerard and their children, Eóghan, Niamh and Fionn, her parents James and Margaret Honan (Ennistymon), brothers Derek and Cathal, sisters Siobhán and Eilish, father-in-law Mattie Delaney, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and her many friends.