Biggest funeral ever in Limerick parish heartbroken at loss of Amanda, 44
Mourners patiently queued for hours and hours to pay their respects
THE BIGGEST funeral in living memory in Doon reflected the overwhelming sadness of a daughter, wife and mum being taken from her loved ones - and the respect with which the families are held.
Amanda Shanahan Horgan went to her God in University Hospital Limerick on September 20 after an illness bravely borne. She was just 44.
Amanda is very sadly missed by bereft husband Niall, adoring daughter Amy, her parents Joe and Freda, brothers Alan, Kevin, Joey and John, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, her work family at Teleflex, many friends and extended family.
Mourners patiently queued for hours and hours to pay their respects at White’s Funeral Home in Doon.
Amanda was born in Tipperary in 1980 but the family moved to Doon in 1986 where she attended primary and secondary school.
The Shanahan family are known for their love of sport and many a match took place at their home in Toomaline Lower.
Although Amanda was the only girl amongst four boys, she was known for her toughness and questionable tackles on her brothers. Fortunately for Amanda, her father Joe was the referee and teammate and he could never see the fouls committed by his only girl.
Amanda met her husband Niall in 1998 when she was out selling lotto tickets, although she never sold him a winning ticket. Niall said he “won the jackpot” that night when he met Amanda.
They got married in 2004 and the Horgan family became her own.
Amanda devoted the next 12 years of her life to Amy. They were not only mother and daughter but they were best friends. Amy has similar characteristics to Amanda, she is very caring and brilliant with kids.
Amanda had started working with Teleflex Medical in 2000 where the staff became her second family. She loved going there every day to meet her many friends for the last 24 years.
In recent years Amanda came out of sporting retirement and joined the Oola Mothers and Others Gaelic Football team. She loved her teammates and made some great friends.
Amanda was a quiet person but actions speak louder and she has left a lasting impact on any person lucky enough to cross paths with her. This was demonstrated at her funeral with the enormous numbers in attendance.
She will be missed dearly by her husband Niall, daughter Amy, the Shanahan and Horgan families, and all her friends and work colleagues.
Ar dheis Dè go raibh a hanam.