The Late Mary Walker The death at Carlow District Hospital of Mrs Mary (Peig) Walker, Ballinaboley, Leighlinbridge, Co.Carlow marks the passing of a dignified lady who was a good friend to many, young and old. Aged 84, Mary formerly Miss Keegan, had been in failing health since late last Summer and her death followed periods of hospitalisation in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny and, in the final six weeks of her life, at Carlow District Hospital. In all three hospitals Mary received wonderful nursing care. From early 1997 until her final few months Mary had been a resident of St Lazerian's House, Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown. For those seven years in St Lazerian's she was blissfully happy, making many new friends among the residents, management and staff, while greatly enjoying the visits of her many relatives, neighbours and friends. The former Mary Keegan was a native of Knockmanus, Goresbridge. She was the youngest and last surviving member of a family of nine. Mary was educated at the Brigidine Convent, Goresbridge. She often spoke with grear affection of her schooldays under the tutelage of the nuns. A dedicated, lifelong supporter of Kilkenny hurling teams, Mary attended many All-Ireland finals involving the black and amber. She recalled with particular pride that as a 19 year old she attended the famous "Thunder and Lightening' All-Ireland of 1939 between Kilkenny and Cork. It was her firm belief that hurling was the greatest field sport in the world, and she often let that opinion be known. Mary played camogie in her schooldays and later played with the Kilgreaney camogie club. She loved to talk about her camogie days and followed the code very closely at inter-county level. She also kept an eye to the progress of Carlow GAA teams and local hurling and football teams. In July 1958 Mary married Nicholas Walker, Ballinaboley, Leighlinbridge. They were a devoted couple up to her husband's death in September 1984. Mary was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA), and was very proud of the pin she received as a memeber of the Leighlinbridge Pioneer Centre to mark 50 years of abstinence from alcohol. She was a member of years of Leighlinbridge ICA and greatly enjoyed the many outings by guild members. A deeply religious woman throughout her life, Mary demonstrated her religion in a very practical way by the dignified, uncomplaining manner with which she accepted her final illness. Mary will be remembered by many local families for her love of children. A christening, birthday, First Communion or Confirmation would not be allowed pass without a card and present for the child. Her generosity in that regard was greatly appreciated. She was a good neighbour, always willing to give a helping hand when the need arose. Her remains were removed from Somers' Funeral Home, Leighlinbridge to St Lazerian's Church, Leighlinbridge, where they were received by Fr Tom Lalor, PP Leighlinbridge. Fr Lalor was celebrant of the funeral Mass, assisted by Fr John Hayden, PE a resident of St Lazerian's House and friend of Mary's. Before the start of Mass, Mary's nephew Paddy Keegan, Leixlip, paid tribute to his aunt's many fine qualities, and odd fault. Paddy had a jersey, worn by his son Padraic, from the D.J. Carey Hurling School of Excellence, brought to the altar - the jersey is to go to Mary's great grand nephew Ciaran Egan. It was, Paddy said, something, that Mary would greatly approve. Fr Lalor also paid tribute to Mary's qualities in a homily during Mass. Singing at Mass was by the Leighlinbridge Church Choir, while Mary's nephew, Thomas Keegan from Gorey, Co.Wexford, played the violin. There was a wonderful rendition of the Irish air The Cualann by Thomas something that had been requested by Mary for her funeral. Readings during Mass were by Mary's relatives while family members also brought up the Offertory gifts. Her remains were borne from the Church to the strains of The Rose of Moocoin. Mary was laid to rest in the local cometery in the Walker family plot. She is survived by her nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, cousins, grand nephews, grandnieces, by her neighbours, the residents and staff of St Lazerian's House, and a very wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 1st April 2005 Tweet

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