O'Connell, Eileen
June 08, 2011She was the third child born to Denis and Mary O'Sullivan (Shine) in a family of four children at Clounkeen, Glenflesk. She attended Glenflesk National School.
In 1958 at the age of 13 she took up her first job at Egars Bar and Grocery in Killarney. In 1961 due to the closure of Kenmare railway line the family moved to Cork, setting up home at Mount Oval, Rochestown Road where they started a grocery business.
Eileen took up employment with her sisters in Sunbeam and she also helped out in the family shop. In 1968 Eileen's life took a turn towards Kerry again, where she met Tim Joe, her future husband, on an evening out at the Imperial Hotel. They were married in Douglas Church on January 30, 1971. Their marriage was blessed with two boys, William and Pat.
When Eileen came to the O'Connell household she cared for her mother-in-law, Bids, until her passing in 1982. She also gave great care over the years to her father-in-law, Paud, who passed away in January 2011.
Throughout the years Eileen found time for community involvement where she was a member of the Pioneer Association, the GAA Community Games, Welcome Home Festival, Drama, Comhaltas, Active Retirement, St Michael's Well, Hospice, Church Renovation Fund Raising Group and Padre Pio Devotion. She loved travelling to Knock with her many friends for December 8 over night vigil.
In 2006 a pilgrimage to Medugorje with some friends left her with great memories and it was a trip left a lasting impression as it had such a deep spiritual effect on her. Saint Padre Pio was very dear to her heart and she cherished her time involved with the monthly Padre Pio Devotions.
On the sporting scene Eileen followed her sons on the playing fields of North Kerry and beyond. She was the inspirational driving force behind Pat's success in the U-12 Community Games Poc Fada in 1984 and further All-Ireland success at the U-14 Feile na nGaeil Poc Fada in 1987.
She displayed a passionate interest in local and and national GAA and was filled with pride and joy as she supported her beloved Lisnaw, Finuge and Kerry. As the years progressed she took immense pride watching Pat represent Lixnaw in the colours of Kerry and Munster. He encouragement, enthusiasm and passion played a huge part in many success story both on and off the field.
Her organisational skills will be missed by all who came to know and work with her.
The family home was an open house to all, where many topics were discussed with vigour and enthusiasm, culminating in Eileen giving her considered advice and guidance. Eileen and Tim Joe were always together attending Fleadhs and music sessions in various parts of North Kerry and none more so than the Anglers Rest, Finuge.
Eileen packed so much living in 40 years in Lisnaw where her glowing smile and warming embrace endeared her to many generations who were to come her way. She made family journeys to Monaghan, visiting Pat and daughter-in-law Mairead, grandchildren Niamh, Sean and Eimear. She also loved visiting her sister Maureen, in Killarney, her brother and sister, Pat and Catherine in Cork.
In May 2008, Eileen's life changed with major surgery she made a great recovery in 2009, getting back to her various commitments, once more especially the Padre Pio Devotion.
In June 2010 she attended St Michael's Well welcoming the huge crowds for a special Healing Service. Over the coming months, she battled cancer with great dignity. Her strength was severely tested but she displayed amazing humility and was an inspiration to us all in coping with her illness.
On March 30, 2011, Eileen was admitted to hospital where she received great care and support from Dr. Patricia Sheahan and her staff of the Palliative Care Unit. However it was her wish to return home and this she did on Wednesday, April 13. For the period ahead her family with the daily help of the Public Health nurses and home carers gave Eileen the care she duly deserved. She still had time for friends and neighbours in those days.
On Thursday, April 28, all her family gathered round her. It was her wish to have all present in her own house. As May 1 approached May, Eileen had her work done in this world and headed for the Golden Gates of Heaven in the peaceful company of all present.
She was waked at her residence until removal to St. Michael's Church on Tuesday, May 3, for Requiem Mass which was celebrated by her great friend Fr. Mossie Brick, PP and Fr. Gerard O'Connell. The huge crowds from all parts of Kerry and other counties who attended were solemn testimony to the lady Eileen was.
On her final journey to Kilfeighney cemetery, she passed St. Michael's Well and her home by the bog road, where she often strolled in times passed. Eileen was laid to rest alongside neighbours and friends.
The family would like to express deep gratitude during this time to Dr Patricia Sheahan and her Palliative Care Team, Dr Maurice Fahy, nurses and carers, Fr. Mossie, neighbours and kind friend, David.
They would especially like to thank the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse, Michelle Ryall and close friend and relative Eileen O'Neill, who were a tremendous support to the family and provided that special level of comfort and care to Eileen during her final days and moments in this earthly life. Thanks also to all who formed guards of honour to Lixnaw GAA chairman, Willie Dowling, for the touching words at the mass, to the Féile U-14 team and mentors for their attendance with the Féile trophy to undertaker Hugh Stack and his staff, to the O'Sullivan brothers for their beautiful singing and to all who stewarded and helped out around the house.
Out of sight, but never out of mind, Eileen will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May the green sod rest lightly on her gentle soul and may she rest in peace until we meet again.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
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