Mother of Louis Walsh remembered as ‘an extraordinary woman' as Westlife members and stars attend funeral of Maureen (94)

Irish Independent

2 days ago

The Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, was almost full to capacity for the funeral of Maureen Walsh (94).
Her sons Louis and Frank and daughter Sarah paid tribute to their mother, who enjoyed a great relationship with her children and always encouraged them to 'make the best' of themselves.
Celebrities from the music and TV industries were in attendance, including Westlife members Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Shane Filan, as well as Dana Rosemary Scallan and Glenda Gilson.
Born Maureen Healy in 1931 to Delia and Martin Healy and the eldest of five children, Ms Walsh moved to Kiltimagh when she was a teenager.
She began working in a premises now occupied by the Teach O'Hora pub before she married Frank Walsh. The couple had 10 children.
In the 1970s, she got a 'new lease of life' when she began working with voluntary help group Western Care, where she made many friends and stayed until her retirement.
Fr Michael Quinn, who concelebrated the funeral mass with three other priests, described Ms Walsh as 'a true friend of many years', 'a treasured neighbour' and 'a great work colleague'.
Mourners heard about the hospitality she showed visitors to her home in Church Street, Kiltimagh, where her door was 'always open'.
A Mayo flag, rosary beads, a photo of Padre Pio, a pack of playing cards, a copy of Ireland's Own magazine, a rolling pin and a family photo were brought to the altar as symbols of her life.
Ms Walsh was an enthusiastic follower of the Mayo and Kiltimagh GAA teams and always flew a flag outside her house before big games.
She was also a keen listener to Midwest Radio throughout the day.
'She said she used to go to bed with Michael Commins twice a week,' said daughter Sarah, referring to the popular radio show ­presented by Commins, who knew her.
She went on several Midwest Radio trips and always brought rashers, sausages and Barry's teabags with her.
Described as 'deeply religious', Ms Walsh had a great love of Padre Pio and the rosary and went on pilgrimages to Medjugorje.
She was also an enthusiastic set dancer and played cards most nights of the week before being afflicted with Alzheimer's.
Son Frank said the disease made her final 12 years 'tough on the family'.
'Maureen lived for her family,' he said. 'She was the heart, she was the rock. We all loved her.'
He went on to describe her as 'a woman of great strength, loyalty, grace, with infectious laughter and compassion'.
'It's very, very hard to say goodbye, but we have to let go,' he said.
Ms Walsh is survived by sons Louis, Joseph, Noel, Paul, Frank, Eamon and Padraic, daughters Sarah and Evelyn, sisters Anne O'Hora and Christeen Reddington and brother Martin Healy, and was predeceased by her husband and daughter Catherine.
She was laid to rest in a wicker coffin in Kilkinure Cemetery in Kiltimagh.