RIP: Mayo-born teacher fondly remembered by staff and students

MARY Earley, Drumlummon, Carrick-on-Shannon, who died recently in the Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, was formerly Griffith from Ballygowan, Claremorris, Mayo.

She was a member of a well known family in the Claremorris region and was daughter of the late Bertie and Norrie Griffith.

Mary was a renowned teacher who commanded huge regard in her adopted county of Leitrim and she was a cherished member of the staff at Drumkeeran VS for some years after she arrived in Leitrim and later at Carrick-on-Shannon VS and Community School.

The wonderful tributes to Mary by so many people reflect the esteem and regard in which she was held by so many in Leitrim.

Mairéad O’Beirne was among those leading the tributes. “Mary was an exceptional teacher, colleague, and just a genuinely gorgeous lady. She left a lovely legacy of kindness and will always be remembered with great fondness in CCS by her colleagues.”

Mary Flynn commented: “Mary was my colleague in Carrick-on-Shannon Vocational School and in the Community school. She was a wonderful, dedicated teacher who was an example to students and other teachers.

“She was always first everywhere she was supposed to be. We used to say ‘Earley by name and early by nature. She taught her classes appreciating everyone’s ability and got the best from all her students.”

Liam and Eileen Costello captured the essence of Mary in other ways. “Mary was an amazing lady, gentle and kind, witty, so thoughtful and an outstanding teacher.

"It was always a pleasure to meet her out shopping and always with a great chat or coming across the road with a bucket to feed the sheep and she in her element. She will be sorely missed in the community and beyond and always fondly remembered.”

Aidan and Mary Wynne, Drumshanbo, said Mary was an absolute lady. “We have fond memories of her as a wonderful teacher in Drumkeerin VS, always helpful and obliging, with a great sense of fun.

Emer Forde, Drumkeerin, was also among the many joining in the tributes. “I fondly remember Miss Griffith’s teaching days in Drumkeerin Vocational School.

"She was an exceptional, kind, caring and passionate teacher who laid a firm foundation for all of her students.”

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon, and was followed by private cremation.

Mary will be sadly missed by her husband Patrick, daughter Niamh (Dublin), son James (Keshcarrigan, Leitrim), son-in-law William Collier, daughter-in-law Lisa McWeeney, grandchildren Clodagh, Darragh, Cóilín and Faolán, her sister Catherine Griffith (Dublin), brothers John (Waterford) and Martin (Claremorris), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.