Cloughbrack farewell to Katie Mannion (103)

Michael Commins

ONE of the west’s most senior citizens, Katie Mannion from Cloughbrack Upper, Clonbur, died last Thursday. She was in her 104th year.
Katie (nee Comer) was born in 1912. She spent a good few years living in London in the 1930s and 40s before returning to her beloved home region. Katie and her husband Tommie raised a family of six, four girls and two lads.
The Mannion family home was a renowned visiting house over the years. All callers were received with the traditional welcome that was such a part of former generations in this country.
Tommie and Katie were very much at the heart of the local community and passed on to their family many of the gentle and noble traits and values which they cherished so much themselves.
Katie enjoyed good health up to the end. She dispensed the wisdom of the ages to all who called to see her. Her life was lived through some vast changes in society but her resilient and serene nature saw her adapt so well to all the meandering ways of her long life’s journey.
She received four letters of congratulations from President Michael D Higgins who formerly served as one of the local TDs for Galway West for many years. These came on the occasion of her 100th birthday followed by others on her 101st, 102nd and 103rd birthdays, all of which she cherished in a special way.
Reposing was in Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur on Sunday evening with removal to Saint Patrick’s Church, Clonbur. Interment took place in Rosshill Cemetery following the concelebrated Requiem Mass yesterday (Monday).
Well known singer Matt Keane from Caherlistrane rendered a selection of hymns and songs during the Funeral Mass. Large crowds were present on both days to pay their respects to this special lady who had crossed the Great Divide.
Katie, who was predeceased by her husband Tommie and her son Thomas, is survived by her son Micheal, daughters Maureen, Rita, Kathleen and Nuala, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.