'She won the hearts of so many' tribute for 'Mayor of Barnacarroll'

SADIE Prendergast, Mace Lower, Claremorris, who died recently, was a Roscommon woman who came to Mayo and won the hearts of so many all around the Barnacarroll region and much further afield.

When the Barnacarroll Community and Sports Centre ran a fund-raising ‘Mayoral Election’ back in the 1980s, Sadie emerged winner and was crowned Mayor of Barnacarroll at a gala gathering in the Centre.

It was the one and only time such an event was held in the area and Sadie always had a hearty laugh when she would tell us that she was still Mayor of Barnacarroll four decades later!

READ NEXT: Two Mayo LGFA Clubs to participate in All-Ireland 7's competition

Sadie (pictured), formerly Page from Foxboro, Ballinlough, married Paddy Prendergast from Mace 59 years ago. She always liked to call him Padraig even though we still held on to calling him Paddy.

It made little difference as Sadie and Paddy were such a popular and greatly respected couple in the parish.

Sadie had that lovely ability to light up any gathering and she exuded a vibrancy that was infectious and uplifting and she brought sunshine to the lives of so many. She was kind hearted and warm natured and was truly a special lady in our community.

She excelled at crafting, knitting, crochet and baking and won numerous awards at Claremorris Shows over the years.

Sadie was a cherished member of the Knock Guild of the ICA and the Mayo Federation where she was regarded as one of the most cherished members when it came to positive attitudes and personal friendships.

Back in the 1960s, British pop band, The Kinks, has a number one hit with ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’, and it is true to say that Sadie could be included in that category.

She was always so elegantly dressed and there was a dignity and sparkle to her stylish tastes.

Fr Peter Gannon, in his homily at the Mass, said Sadie was a remarkable woman who was devoted to her family and her friends. “She had such a welcome for neighbours and callers.

She was an honest and decent person who lived life in a lovely humble way.

“When talking to Sadie you knew you were in the presence of a wise woman. I had great respect for her and there was an aura about her.

She was a motherly figure and a carer in so many aspects of her life.

“Sadie and Paddy were a wonderful couple and they laughed and enjoyed life in such a special way. They met the challenges together. She brought a lovely life to any community and had a great sense of humour.

“Sadie was always so much at home tending to her beautiful home and garden. She was very thoughtful. She was an exemplary friend of God and her faith was so strong.

She had an unwavering faith and the rosary was part of her daily life. The bottles of holy water were so dear to her. She prayed for so many.”

Tributes poured in for Sadie from around the region. Fiachra and Ann Groarke, Barnacarroll, said Sadie was an inspirational person who was a great supporter of community events.

“She was gifted at various crafts and gardening with her beautiful exhibits each year at the Claremorris Agricultural Show. Sadie, you have left lovely memories.”

Seamus and Kathleen McGrenra said Sadie was a gracious lady who was full of energy and who was always ready for a laugh and who had many talents.

Patricia McDonagh, Gurteen, Cloonfad, recalled fond memories of working with Sadie and her friend, Adeline (Kirrane), many years ago in the Belmont Hotel, Knock.

“As a schoolgirl, learning the floor work from two great hostesses was special. She was a lovely and gentle lady with a great sense of humour and I met her in later years visiting her dear sister Margaret, also now gone to her rest in God’s kingdom above.”

Josie Conboy from Knock said she also had special memories of Sadie going back to their years in Knock ICA. “Sadie was such a talented lady whether it was knitting, crochet or basket-weaving to name but a few.”

Reposing was at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Saturday evening with removal to the Church of Our Lady Barnacarroll.

Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Gannon and Fr Tommy Commins on Sunday afternoon.

Her son, Seán, delivered a special tribute to Sadie at the end of the Mass celebrating her wonderful contribution to the family and life of the entire community.

Sadie will be deeply missed by her husband Paddy, son Seán, daughter Maura, grandchildren Erin, Finn, Paige, Tara, Bréin, Ciarn, Tiernan and Lorcan, and her great grandson Seán Óg, her daughter-in-law Irene, Maura’s partner Mick, her sister Vera (England) and brother Frank (England), her nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

READ NEXT: Mayo couple speak out against intimidation and hatred following Joe Deacy death