RIP: Passing of Mayo mother to eleven children sparks trip down memory lane

TERESA Moran, Shessagh, Taugheen, Mayo, who died recently, was formerly Molloy from Gortnagoyne, Dunmore. News of her passing was received with much sadness around the region.

She was predeceased by her husband John who died on last Christmas Eve and the passing of both parents in such a short space of time has been a source of profound sadness for their devoted family.

John, a native of Caherlistrane, and Teresa came to reside in the Taugheen area in 1969 and it was here that they raised their large family.

The Moran family have been synonymous with community life of the area ever since through the local GAA Club, the local schools attended by their children (Taugheen National School, Mount St Michael and St Colman’s College and various other groups.

Teresa was a wonderful mother and a remarkable woman who reared eleven children. At one point, John and Teresa had a child in every class in Taugheen NS from junior infants right up to sixth class.

She was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour that enlivened many occasions and she had such a gentle and easy rapport with people.

Her kind nature shone through and she had such a warm outreach to those she met along life’s journey, turning strangers into friends at every opportunity. 

She retained a great fondness for her home area of Garrafrauns and Dunmore and loved to meet neighbours and friends from that region.

She will be remembered as a woman whose life was rooted in love – for her family, her community and her faith. She was a constant source of kindness and quiet strength and she gave generously of her time and spirit.

Warm tributes have been paid to Teresa with many referring to the easy way in which she endeared herself to so many people along the way.

Ciara McDonagh said it was a pleasure knowing Teresa. “She left such a lasting impression on. She was incredibly witty, full of humour, and always had a way of making someone smile.

"She brought light and laughter in difficult moments, thinking of the family and loved ones at this very sad time, may she rest in peace.”

Trudy O'Connor from Tuam commented: “Teresa brought energy, happiness, joy, laughter and hope to all she met and she will be missed by all who really knew her. She had a deep kindness and compassion for all people.”

Michael and Teresa Keane, Claremorris and Salthill, former members of the staff at Mount St Michael, Claremorris, said: “We have great memories of her love and commitment to all her girls at parent teacher meeting.

Comhbhrón ó chroí libh. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal agus leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aice.”

Reposing was at St Colman's Funeral Home, Claremorris, and interment was in Taugheen Cemetery following Requiem Mass in St Michael's Church, Taugheen. Kathy Fahy (on piano) and her son Peter Fahy (singer) delivered a beautiful musical celebration at the funeral Mass.

Teresa was loved deeply by her family and will be sadly missed by her family of eleven, Joseph, Sean, Stephen, Connie, MT, Triona, Jarlath, Marguerita, Brian, Sandie and Kevin.

She will always be cherished and remembered by her 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, her sisters Breda, Dymphna and Geraldine, daughters-in-law Irene, Emma, Dearbhaile, Leila and Samantha, sons-in-law, Des Finn, JP Keane, Chris Green, Stephen Grant and Hugo Lord, her nieces and nephews, and many great friends and neighbours.

Though she will be greatly missed, her legacy lives in the lives she touched and the community she helped to nurture.