Void left in community following publican’s death

Void in community following publican’s death


Anton McNulty

“Her likes will never be seen again,” was the tribute paid by Fine Gael Council candidate Pat Kilbane to popular Achill publican, Lourdie Cafferkey, who died following a short illness on Sunday morning.
A news of Lourdie’s death at 60 years of age in her residence was met with great sadness on the island on Sunday morning especially in her home village of Dooagh, where she was described as the ‘pillar of the community’. Following the death of her father Anthony O’Malley, she became the public face of the family pub called ‘The Pub’ in Dooagh with locals and visitors alike calling in to get a sample of Achill hospitality. In the 50’s and 60’s it was frequented by Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners and was the centre of International celebrations in 1987 when Don Allum landed on Dooagh beach after becoming the first man to row across the Atlantic Ocean in both directions.
A keen fundraiser, Lourdie was one of the founding members of St Colman’s committee in the early eighties and was the contact number of the Order of Malta for over a decade. She was also a staunch supporter of Fine Gael and its leader Enda Kenny and Pat Kilbane told The Mayo News she will be missed and impossible to replace.
“She was the pillar of society in Dooagh all her life and continued the long tradition of the O’Malley family in helping people in difficult times. She was a tremendous woman and a  phenomenal fundraiser who will be sadly missed. Here generosity will never fully be known and she will leave a void in the Dooagh and Keel area which will make it difficult to replace,” he said.
Lourdie is survived by her husband John, son Johnny and daughter Gracie, and is predeceased by her son Anthony (Hacky). Removal of her remains from her residence will take place this morning (Tuesday) at 11.30am for Requiem Mass at 12 noon in Pollagh church with burial afterwards in Slievemore cemetery.