Winnie Innes (nee Heraty)

The unexpected death of Winnie Innes (nee Heraty), Bundoran, Co Donegal and formerly of Tiernacroagha, Westport on March 5 has caused deep and widespread shock and sadness.

Winnie, aged 64 years was the eldest of a family of fourteen born to the late Tim and Annie Heraty, Tiernacroagha. Like many of her generation, Winnie left home at an early age but always remained in close contact with family and friends in her home place.

In earlier years, Winnie worked as a carer while also rearing her children with her husband Greg. Unfortunately, Winnie and her family suffered a severe blow in 2007 when she unexpectedly lost her beloved daughter Catherina and her granddaughter Caitlin. Shortly afterwards Winnie’s health began to deteriorate but she always looked on the positive side of life and never let her poor health get her down.

In his homily, Fr Alan Ward, long time family friend and army Chaplain in Finner camp said Winnie was a woman who enjoyed the simple things in life. Having her family around was number one. She loved to see people calling to her house for a visit and always made sure nobody left hungry. Sharing around her homemade apple pies was always a real treat. Winnie loved nothing more than a good night out on the town where she enjoyed many a good card game or a set of darts.

She had a great bond with the younger generation and loved to get in on the banter. Winnie always had a kind word for all. Mayo was always ‘home’ to her and each time her beloved county reached an All-Ireland final she wished dearly for them to win.

After a traditional wake and laying in repose at her home in Bundoran, where hundreds of people, many of whom had travelled from Westport and various other part of the country came to pay their final respects to Winnie.

On Sunday, March 8, Winnie’s family accompanied her remains to the Church of Our Lady Star of The Sea. Officiating priest at reception ceremony was Rev Cannon Munster and celebrant of Requiem Mass was Fr Alan Ward. Readings were given by Winnie’s sister Monica and her brother Vincent. Gifts were brought to the alter by Grace Kelly and Conor Carthy which included  a family photo and picture of Croagh Patrick, symbolising her love for both. The bread and wine were brought to the alter by Winnie’s daughters Patricia and Charlene.

 Burial took place afterwards in St Ninnidh’s Cemetery, Bundoran where a beautiful rendition of “The Hills of Sweet Mayo” was sung by family friend, Farah Bogle.

Winnie is mourned by her husband Greg (Bundoran), sons Tommy (Enfield, Co Meath) and Greg (Bundoran); daughters Amanda, Patricia and Charlene (Bundoran); brothers Paddy, Petie, Michael (Tiernacroagha), Paul (Bohea) and Vincent (New York); sisters Mary Huckle (London), Philomena Higgins (Killawalla), Monica McGreal (Knappagh); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, son-in-law Wayne, granddaughters Bethany and Ella and nieces and nephews.

Winnie was predeceased by her daughter Catherina and granddaughter Caitlin, brothers Tommy, Tony, Timmy, John and Gerard and nephew Niall Heraty. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

We share the road of life

with one’s that we hold dear,

And if it were in our power,

We would always keep them near.

For they help us navigate

the obstacles in life and it

makes the journey easier

when they are walking by our side.

And though the way is lonelier

when we no longer hear their step,

Remember they still share our road,

They’ve just travelled on ahead.