The death took place recently of Nora (Norrie) McGrath (nee Ryan) of Ryefield, Galbally, Co Limerick. The following is a large section of the eulogy given at her funeral Mass in Lisvernane Church.
In his eulogy, Norrie’s son Jim spoke of the great lady his mother was and of her outlook on life which was, to make the best of every situation.
“Mam dealt with what life threw at her in her own terms. She had great self-belief and strength of character. Her boundless energy and willpower meant that she believed that she could achieve whatever she set her mind to.
She loved special occasions and the chance to put on a bit of style and above all loved to put the foot down on the accelerator as she bombed down Roundhill.”
Jim spoke of his mum’s faith and how it brought her through the many obstacles, hardships and tragedies that she faced.
“Her faith was often tested but strengthened by her life experiences. The death of her husband, Michael in 1973, leaving her a widow with five children under the age of 5, was her greatest challenge. It is only now that we, her children, as parents ourselves, can fully appreciate the situation she found herself in. She didn’t despair but she dedicated herself to make the best of things and boy did she make the best of things.
“She didn’t worry about death as her faith was part of her everyday life. She prayed, she helped people and lived a simple life. She was the most unselfish person that I know. Mam took great pleasure from the smallest things. She often said she wasn’t happy, she was ‘blessed’.
A native of Co Clare, Norrie spent almost 20 years in the civil service in Dublin and Limerick before becoming ‘a blow-in to the Glen 50 years ago, in 1966’.
“She believed in being part of the community and she built great friendships in so doing. She was treasurer of Lisvernane NS Board for decades, she was very active in the ICA; was part of the Galbally Social Housing Committee and was on the Parents Council of the Abbey CBS. For over 20 years with her friends Mary Kate Casey and Mary Richardson God rest her soul, she co-organised annual trips for friends in the locality all over Ireland from Donegal to Kerry; she could have been a Bord Failte executive.
“She loved her home in Ryefield, her garden, her farm and was so proud of the Glen of Aherlow. Over the years her five children have brought multitudes of strays home to Ryefield. Mam welcomed all of them with such warmth and openness. Our friends were her friends.”
Jim said his Mam was a great friend to so many people and that her greatest friendships blossomed when she came to live in Ryefield and she often said that her friends were her family.
“She thought the best of people and loved to chat, to listen and to laugh. She demonstrated this in so many ways, ferrying neighbours for their shopping or pension, collecting her crew for ICA meetings and was thrilled to help in any way she could.
“But the most important thing in Mam’s life was family. Born in 1929, Nora grew up, one of six children in Plassey, on the banks of the Shannon in Annaghbeg Lock, the last house in Co Clare. Sadly, all her brothers and sisters predeceased her. Her father, Jim Ryan, was a great support to her and she cared for him for many winters in Ryefield in later life.
She showered her own children with love and ensured we got every opportunity possible and taught us the values that meant so much to her. She never limited us and encouraged us to do the best we could.
“Mam was so proud of us, and got so much pleasure from our lives and those of her adored 11 grandchildren. She came to support us all at the drop of a hat. She didn’t think twice about jumping on a plane or driving to wherever we were. Her counsel and support helped us all to be better parents and people.
So Mam, we thank you for everything that you gave us. You lived a simple life, but you had a wonderful impact on so many lives. We loved you for your spirit of independence, your style, and your positive outlook.
We will miss you terribly, but we are all the better for having known you. You were a great lady, but for us your children – you were our hero!”
Nora was laid to rest in Galbally Cemetery. She is greatly missed by her sons Tom (Poland), Jim (Blackrock, Cork), daughters Siobhán Campbell (London), Sinéad Foley (Ballyhea, Charleville), Oonagh Koeppern (London), extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends to who we extend our sympathy.
