Claremorris mourns woman (42) who died in Australia

Michael Commins

THE recent death of Sorcha Casey from Claremorris evoked widespread sadness and regret throughout her home area and further afield. Sorcha (42) died in Australia after a long illness borne with wonderful courage and fortitude.
Sorcha was daughter of Martin and Colette Casey, Knock Road, Claremorris. Her father is a retired principal of St Colman’s College and a prominent member of the local Church Choir.
She specialised in the profession of ophthalmology and spent some time in Claremorris with Fahy Opticians before leaving for Melbourne about five years ago.
Sorcha excelled at her profession and developed a great rapport with the people she attended to over the years.
She was an avid reader and loved books, a trait she inherited from the family home. She also loved flowers and nature and the great outdoors.
With the outset of her illness, Martin and Colette travelled to Australia where they spent six months with her and Danny (a native of Donegal) and the family. This was a source of great contentment to Sorcha who battled on so bravely without ever complaining of her pain and illness.
Her sister, Orlaith, addressing the capacity congregation in St Colman’s Church, said her sister would live on in all their hearts and her spirit would live on in her daughters. She said Sorcha was a true inspiration in how she had ‘battled fiercely’ for life.
After residing for some years in Australia, Sorcha was still amazed by the volume of Mass cards and letters and messages of goodwill that were sent from so many people in Claremorris to wish her well.
“Her bookshelf was laden down with cards and Mass bouquets, nearly all from Claremorris. She was overwhelmed by the goodness of the people who went to that bother and it gave her enormous solace from all that goodwill.
“We are truly overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of kindness, concern and goodwill of the people of the Claremorris region and we will be forever grateful to everyone who has lend support in any way,” said Orlaith.
Fr Peter Gannon, PP, in his homily, said that ‘at this time of Spring, death seems out of sync with the season’.
He recalled the special things that were close to her heart and her love for family and friends. “Sorcha was a great friend and was deeply respected by all who knew her,” said Fr Peter extending the heartfelt condolences of the community to the family circle. 
Sorcha is deeply mourned by Daniel and her children Alannah and Tara in Australia; by her parents Colette and Martin; her sisters and brothers Katharina, Orlaith, Cathal, Ciara and Joseph; her sister-in-law Ellen, brother-in-law Johnny; by Karl, her niece Liadh, her nephew Liam and her extended family and friends.