Funeral arrangements announced after death of D-day heroine Maureen Sweeney

The funeral arrangements have been announced for a woman in Mayo whose weather forecast changed the timing of the D-Day landings. Maureen Sweeney of Blacksod, Belmullet, a native of county Kerry, was in her 101st year.

She forecast a storm from Blacksod Lighthouse in 1944. The lighthouse and coastguard station played a key role during World War II, supplying Britain and the US with weather reports.

At 1pm on June 3, 1944, Maureen, then aged 21, was the first to forecast a severe Atlantic storm, which led to a change of plan by the Allied Forces. D-Day was then postponed to June 6.

Her readings gave the Allies a two-day warning of stormy conditions in western Europe, forcing General Dwight D Eisenhower to delay his planned invasion of Normandy.

In 2021, Ms Sweeney was awarded a special US House of Representatives honour for the role she played in changing the course of World War II.

She passed away peacefully at Sonas Tí Aire Nursing Home in Belmullet. She was predeceased by her husband Ted, grandson David, sister Teresa Kennelly, recently deceased daughter in law Margaret, niece Mary and recently deceased nephew Mike Kennelly.

She was beloved mother of Ted, Gerry, Vincent and Emer. She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken family, daughters in law Rita and Doreen, son in law Gerhard Schlueter (Albany, New York), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, the staff of the Sonas Tí Aire Nursing Home, who showed her such kindness and care over the past few years, kind neighbours and many friends.

Her remains will be reposing at McDonnell’s Funeral Home, Belmullet, on Thursday evening from 5pm until 7pm with funeral arriving at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Aughleam, at 8.30pm. Funeral Mass will be on Friday at 12 noon, followed by burial in Faulmore Cemetery.

Live streaming of the funeral Mass will be available for viewing on Friday at 12 noon on McDonnell Funeral Directors Facebook page with all other funeral services available for viewing at 8pm on Friday evening.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, to the 'Patient’s Comfort Fund at the Sonas Tí Aire Nursing Home', c/o McDonnell Funeral Directors, Belmullet.