Nun dies

Death of popular Kiltimagh teaching nun

Michael Commins

THE death has taken place of Sr Joy Flannery, “Louisville“, Kiltimagh and Rosebury Court, Knock. A fluent French speaker, Sr Joy taught the language for a number of years in the St Louis School in Kiltimagh.
A native of Milltown, Co Galway, she spent many years in the teaching profession in France. She worked with her community at their base about 20 miles outside Paris.
Three of her brothers were ordained to the priesthood. Fr John D is currently serving as PP in Lackagh, Turloughmore while Fr Michael is PP in Inverin, Conamara. Fr Seamus is PP in Ulverston, Cumbria. Her other brother Padraic resides with his wife and family in Milltown. She is also survived by her sister Thecla, sister-in-law June, nieces Jackie and Pam, other relatives, her St Louis Sisters and Community, as well as numerous other friends.
Sr Joy was actively involved in the church community in Knock in recent years and was a regular reader in the old church. She had a great love for France and its history and maintained strong contacts with her friends in France since coming to Kiltimagh.
Sr Joy was one of three people who compiled and hosted a special 30 minute programme in the French language which was broadcast from Ballyhaunis to a worldwide shortwave radio audience back on St Patrick’s Day, 1996.
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam was among the many people who travelled to “Louisville” in Kiltimagh to pay tribute to Sr Joy and lend his support to the family.
After Requiem Mass in Kiltimagh Church on Sunday afternoon, interment took place in Kilkinure Cemetery.