Hennessy, Betty
October 12, 2012The death took place of Bridget 'Betty' Hennessy, Miltown Malbay. She was married to the late Paddy Hennessy, the widely known publican and GAA personality. Born on February 24, 1924, her parents were James and Mary McMahon, Ballinlacken, Lisdoonvarna. She had three brothers Michael, Paddy (RIP) and Seamus (RIP) and two sisters Hannah and Margaret (RIP). At the age of 19 years she, married Paddy Hennessy and their home and pub in Ennistymon Road were to become one of the best known in the county. Apart from being well-supported by locals, the pub was also a popular meeting place for sports people.
Visiting GAA football team, supporters and mentors, coursing people and the many visitors who came to the Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point areas during the summer all spoke highly of the hospitably and welcome they received from Paddy and Betty. The pub was also a great attraction during the Willie Clancy Schools and the Darling Girl from Clare festivals. Well run and orderly, there was always meticulous attention to cleanliness and good service. For most, a visit to Miltown Malbay was not complete with out a call to Paddy Hennessy's. During her busy and active life, Betty liked music and was also an excellent set dancer, She was keen on opera and amateur drama and had a liking for Romberg operettas such as The Student Prince, The Desert Song and The New Moon.
She was a regular at the musicals in Kilrush and also supported the local society. Playing cards was another pastime in the pub and she was regarded as a good player of the local version of 45, known as the old game. Using tokens was something she disliked. She also walked a lot, liked swimming during the summer months and also tried her hand at camogie and golf. She was also curious about new technology and in 1999, when her grandson Peter was travelling, she kept in touch with him by email using her address as "Grandma.Hennessy". She also used her mobile phone to keep in touch with grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
A religious person, she was a regular attendee at mass for as long as she could. She also liked driving a car and drove until she was 85. Her death took place at Cahercalla Community Hospital, Ennis, on August 17 after 10 months in the loving care of the matron, nurses and staff of the hospital. Big crowds came out to pay their final respects at Queally's funeral home, Miltown Malbay on the evening of August 19 and again at the funeral mass on Milltown Malbay Church on the following day. The chief celebrant of the mass was Canon Seamus Mullin, assisted by Fr. Patrick Carmoy, Fr Des Hillery, Fr Jim Buckley and Fr. Richard Flanagan. In his mass homily Canon Mullin spoke highly of Betty's fine qualities and her contribution to the local community.
After Mass the funeral took place to Ballard Cemetery. Her month's mind mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, Miltown Malbay on Saturday at 10am. Betty is survived by her son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Grainne; granddaughter, Peter and his wife, Siobhán and grandson Stephen and daughter Eve. Betty is also survived by her brother, Michael; his wife, Maureen in Fanore; sister, Hannah, and husband, Tom in Lancashire, England; sister-in-law, Síle in Ballinahowan, Lisdoonvarna; nephews, nieces and extended family.
Courtesy of Clare Champion 12/10/2012 Tweet
