Hughes, Margaret
November 13, 2011Mrs Hughes, who would have celebrated her 90th birthday in March, suffered a stroke and was nursed at home by family and neighbours for the final days of her life.
Formerly Margaret Watchorn from Ballintemple, Tullow she was a devoted family woman, whose priority centred on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was an excellent cook, noted for her bread baking, and Margaret enjoyed nothing better than going with family members to do her weekend shopping in Carlow town.
Margaret's husband John, a native of the Coolkenno area of Co Wicklow, worked for the Alexander estate in Milford and later with CIE.
Her sons Leo and Tom were deeply involved in the GAA, playing with the Ballinabranna football club and St Fintan's Hurling Club. Leo is a former inter-county senior football goalkeeper with Carlow, while Tom was well known as a GAA player, referee and coach - he managed Old Leighin to their first Carlow SFC in 1997.
Throughout her long life, Margaret kept up with the happenings in the world - liking to be well informed on current affairs. She was a religious woman, who was diligent in observing her religious obligations.
A popular woman within her local community, that popularity was reflected in the very large crowds which attended her removal, funeral Mass and burial.
Margaret was waked at home before removal of her remains on Monday evening to St Fintan's Church, Ballinabranna, where they were received by Fr Tom Lalor, PP, Leighlinbridge.
A guard of honour was provided by members of Ballinabranna GFC. Fr Lalor celebrated the funeral Mass on Tuesday afternoon, assisted by Fr Denis Murphy, PP, Doonane.
The readings during Mass were by grandson David Hughes and son Tom. Prayers of the Faithful during Mass were recited by grandchildren Alma Wallace, Sharon Hayden, Gillian Hughes, Ronan Hughes, Shane Kelly and Margaret's great neighbour and friend Patrick Amond.
The Offertory gifts were brought up by Margaret's daughters Marie Walsh, Kay Murphy and Dolores Kelly.
In a eulogy at the end of Mass, Margaret's son Leo paid a fitting tribute to his mother's sterling qualities.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery, where Margaret was laid to rest with husband John.
She is survived by her children Leo (Ballinabranna), Marie Walsh (New Oak Estate, Carlow), Kathleen (Kay)Murphy (Mount Leinster Park, Carlow), Tom (Doonane, Crettyard), John (Leighlinbridge), Dolores Kelly (Old Burrin Road, Carlow) and Pat (Coolkenno, Tullow).
Margaret is also mourned by her 22 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren - to all of whom she was greatly devoted; by sons-in-law Sean Walsh and Peter Kelly, daughters-in-law Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary and Alice, as well as other relatives, good neighbours and many friends. Tweet
