Archbishop’s mother remembered in Castlebar

Archbishop’s mother buried in Castlebar


THE death has taken place of Mrs Nora Neary (nee Gibbons), Newport Road, Castlebar, mother of Most Reverend, Dr Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam.
Mrs Neary, who was in her 98th year, died peacefully on Tuesday last at Abbeybreaffy Nursing Home, where she had been cared for over the past five years.
The Primate of All Ireland, His Eminence, Cardinal Sean Brady, presided at the funeral Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, the chief celebrant of which was Archbishop Neary.
Among the co-celebrants were Dr Neary’s brother Bishops, Dr John Kirby of Clonfert, Dr. Christy Jones, Elphin ; Dr John Fleming, Killala; Dr Brendan Kelly of Achonry and his predecessor, Dr Tom Flynn; Dr. Leo O’Reilly, Kilmore and Dr. Willie Lee, Waterford and Lismore . They were joined by the priests of the Diocese, including the current and past members of the Castlebar parish clergy.
The congregation also included Rev Gary Hastings, former Rector of Westport, as well as representatives of the other Christian denominations who were specially welcomed by Archbishop Neary.
In a moving tribute to his mother, Dr Neary said that the funeral Mass was a celebration of her life and a testament to the enduring faith which had sustained her all her life.
He said that for his mother, like so many others, life had been a challenge as a young woman when unemployment and emigration were rife.
He recalled her shop on the Newport Road which, he said, was as much a meeting place for friends and neighbours as it was a business enterprise.
“It was her motto that nobody was ever allowed leave her shop door in need”, he said.
“Her shop was a happy and reassuring place, and her customers always went home happy. Mam’s virtues were generosity and gentleness. She treated every person with respect, and always gave people their sense of dignity.”
Dr Neary said his mother had great inner strength and an innate courage which gave her the ability to cope with whatever difficulties life presented her with.
“Knock had a special place for Mam “, he said, adding that she had been a handmaid at the Shrine for 40 years, while her late husband Tom had been a dedicated steward there for four decades also.
The late Mrs Neary was a tireless worker for the Apostolic Work Society, making clothes and vestments for the priests who worked in foreign lands, and for their flocks. Her qualities of endless patience and unwavering hope were part of her character.
For seventy years, she was a promoter of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society and she prayed every day specially for vocations and for the priesthood.
It was fitting that, among the gifts presented at the offertory, were her Apostolic Work sewing basket, and a record book of fifty years ago of the St Joseph’s Young Priests Society.
Archbishop Neary spoke of his mother’s wonderful relationship with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the shared joy of their visits to her both at home and at Abbey Breaffy.
Mrs Neary had been honoured last year as the first honorary member of the Catholic Grandparents Association.
Dr Neary thanked all who attended the funeral ceremonies and Mass, and extended a special welcome to Cardinal Brady  whose presence was warmly applauded by the assembled congregation. He also welcomed the representatives of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, the Knights of Columbanus and the Papal Knights who were in attendance.
Just before the final blessing, Dr Neary recalled his mother’s lifelong practice, whenever a family member was embarking on a journey, of reciting the Memorare for a safe journey home. He then led the congregation in the Memorare, as his mother’s final earthly journey began.
Mrs Neary is also survived by her daughters Mary Golden, Breaffy; Helen Deasy, Cork and Noreen Raftery, Castlebar;  son in law John Golden, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. She was laid to rest at Castlebar New Cemetery. Peaceful rest to her gentle and caring soul.