The death took place on Saturday, August 25, of Mary Kathleen Byrne, one of the best known and most respected ladies in Kiltimagh. The news of her unexpected death at Mayo General Hospital was greeted with a deep sense of sadness by the whole community and, indeed, by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her over the years. Mary kathleen was the oldest resident on Thomas Street having been born there 85 years ago and where she lived all her life. She was the only child of Thomas and Bridget Carroll and when she married the love of her life, Jimmy Byrne, in 1958 she had only to move a few doors down the street to Byrne's shoe shop which she and Jimmy continued to run until his sudden death in 1982. She was also a first class dressmaker so there was always an open door to the Byrne household. Mary Kathleen took it all in her stride, she loved to chat and share a joke and a laugh with everyone who passed through and they never left her home without enjoying her warm hospitality. Mary Kathleen had a very positive outlook on life, she was a happy and contented person, always smiling and in good humour, and never happier than when she had a pack of cards in her hands. She loved all the games, especially 25, Bridge and Poker. She was a very good card player but the social aspect of the game was very important for her too. She enjoyed especially the nights when she and her friends met in each others homes for their regular game of 25 and rarely did she miss the weekly 25 drives in the Community Centre. She was a founder member of the local Bridge Club and looked forward to the Tuesday night game, she also liked to play poker and in the last few years mastered that new poker craze, Texas hold Em, which she often played in The White House in Swinford on her visits to her daughter Rita and son-in-law Shane. She was also a member of the Tuesday Club (Active Retirement Association) and took up painting in the latter years of her life, producing some lovely landscapes which gave her great pleasure and of which she was justifiably quite proud. Mary Kathleen was interested in all sports and was a staunch supporter of the local GAA Club right up to the end. Over the years she was always obliging and helpful in whatever way she could, doing chores like washing jerseys or whatever. When flags or armbands were required she would get out her sewing machine and the job would be done in record time. She also followed with great interest the fortunes of the Mayo teams and when her two sons, Tom and Martin, wore the Kiltimagh an Mayo colours she was their greatest fan. Big Tom, as he is affectionately known, will always be remembered for the two late goals he scored when coming on as a sub in Croke park to ensure Mayo's victory over Dublin in the 1978 All-Ireland Minor final. In more recent years she took the same keen interest and pride in her grandchildren's exploits in the sporting arena. Her contribution and the contribution of her family to the Kiltimagh GAA Club was acknowledged at her funeral when an impressive guard of honour was provided as she was brought on her final journey to the Church of the Holy Family. Mary Kathleen visited the US several times over the years, enjoying long spells in Los Angeles with her daughter Vera and family and on the way home spending time with Tom and his family in Chicago. She was very happy when both families decided to return to live in Kiltimagh and she had the pleasure of having all her children and grandchildren near her. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart and brought great joy to her as she did to them. Mary Kathleen loved Kiltimagh, especially Thomas Street, and last year she was delighted to be involved with the arrangements for the street reunion when she enjoyed meeting up again with old friends and neighbours who returned for what was a wonderful weekend of celebrations on the street. She was a devout Catholic and a true Christian, a loving mother and grandmother and a kind and generous person who will be sadly missed by her devoted family, neighbours and many friends for a long time to come. She is deeply mourned by her sons Tom and Martin, daughters Vera (McKeon) and Rita (Campbell), sons-in-law Vincent and Shane; daughters-in-law Joan and Bernie, 12 Grandchildren, relatives and many friends to whom sympathy is extended. Courtesy of the Western People. 25 September, 2007. Tweet

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