The Late Veronica Guinan It was with profound sadness that the community learned of the death of Veronica Guinan (nee Foley) on 15th March 2004 at Beaumont Hospital. Veronica was popular and much respected as evidenced by the large numbers who were at her removal on 16th March and when she was laid to rest in Rath on St. Patrick's Day. Fr. John Moorhead, was assisted by Fr. Michael Scanlon and Fr Declan Shannon at the funeral Mass . Veronica was born in Cloghan in April 1965 and went to school in St. Mary's N.S. Cloghan and to La Sainte Union, Banagher. After she finished school she attended the Commercial Academy in Roscommon. She worked for several years in Jetprint in Tullamore before moving to Polymer Development Centre in Athlone and only recently transferred to Enterprise Ireland in Athlone. Everyone she worked with found Veronica easy to get on with and found her drive and commitment commendable. Veronica met her husband John at a hurling match in the 1980's and they were married in Cloghan on 2nd July 1992. They have three beautiful children, Ann-Marie, Thomas and Ciaran. Veronica was first and foremost a family person and it was to her husband and children that she devoted her life. She looked forward to nothing more than going on trips with her family and had only recently brought the children ice-skating in Dublin. Her children were always foremost in her thoughts. Veronica was also very much involved in her local community. Veronica believed that people define the quality of their society through their contribution to that society and that parents are responsible for the provision and maintenance of the structures and facilities, which provide the necessary outlets through which children can enjoy healthy and active pursuits. Veronica was a former chairperson of the parents association at Scoil Naomh Eoin Rath and was the current secretary of the Board of Management at the school. She was the current assistant secretary of Drumcullen minor G.A.A. Club, and played an active role in the administration of the Drumcullen G.A.A. Club Lotto. She had a keen interest in photography and also enjoyed her participation in the Rath women's group. At Veronica's funeral Mass Joe O'Brien delivered a most honest and heartfelt eulogy and here was not a person in the congregation who was not touched by it. During this eulogy he read the following poem, which was very appropriate. To Have Succeeded 'To Laugh often and Love much To Win the Respect of intelligent People And the Affection of Children. To Appreciate Beauty.To Find the Best in others. To Give oneself To Leave the world a little better, Whether by a Healthy Child. A Garden patch, Or a Redeemed social condition. To have Played and Laughed with Enthusiasm, And Sung with Exultation To know even one life has Breathed Easier because you have Lived This is to have Succeeded.' Veronica is survived by her husband John, children Ann-Marie, Thomas and Ciaran her mother Josie Foley brothers Paschal and Kevin, sisters Marguerite and Martina, her mother-in-law Mary, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a wide circle of relatives and friends. The Guinan and Foley families would like to thank all those who offered their condolences and to thank all those who have helped them through this very difficult time. Goodbye Veronica may you rest in peace. Our loss is huge and you will never be forgotten. May the Lord bring rest to your kind, gentle and compassionate Soul. Courtesy of the Midland Express June 2004 Tweet

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