Limerick couple who ‘loved and lived’ together for 70 years are buried side-by-side
SIXTY eight years ago Terence and Maureen Byrnes were married before the altar at St Michael's Church in Denmark Street.
Poignantly, Mr and Mrs Byrnes, of Watergate in Limerick city, were side by side again in the same church on Monday after passing away just 25 hours apart. Photos and flowers adorned their coffins.
Fr Chris O’Donnell, who said the funeral Mass, described them as “two beautiful people” and welcomed those who gathered in the church to remember them.
The priest invited Mary Madden, the eldest of their six children, to say a few words about their beloved parents before the requiem Mass commenced.
“We come here in sorrow but also to celebrate their long and well-lived lives together. It all began when they started courting when mam was just 16 years-of-age at the time. Dad was a frequent visitor to her parents home in Watergate in front of the walls of Limerick as he was friends with her brothers,” said Ms Madden.
Like many before and after him, Mr Byrnes had to take the boat to England to find work.
The courtship continued from afar and they got engaged. Mr Byrnes sent money back to the love of his life from London to save for their wedding.
“Mam worked in Cleeves factory making the world-renowned toffees and boiled sweets,” said Ms Madden.
Mr and Mrs Byrnes became man and wife on July 2, 1955 at an 8.30am wedding ceremony.
As was the tradition at the time, Mrs Byrnes had to give up working and travelled to London with her new husband that very night.
Several months later, a new housing scheme called Garryowen was being built so Mr and Mrs Byrnes returned home for good. Mr Byrnes’ talent as a skilled carpenter was in high demand.
“They have loved and lived in Limerick ever since,” said Ms Madden, who painted a picture of a warm, happy, contented and faith-filled life.
She spoke of happy summers spent in their mobile home in Kilkee, trips to the Isle of Man and Blackpool and, of course, Mrs Byrnes annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. She went for 40 years in a row until Covid arrived.
“Terence was a devoted husband and Maureen a loving wife through their entire life. Their grandchildren and great grandchildren gave them great joy and happiness. They loved to see them call to Watergate and Millbrae Lodge Nursing Home in Newport.
“On behalf of the family we would like to express our deep appreciation for all the care and dignity given to Maureen and Terence during their stay, and the carers who helped them in Watergate,” said Ms Madden, who added that her loving parents were “a force of nature together”.
“Through good times, bad times, sad times and hard times, as a family it has given us great consolation that they are out of suffering and together forever. One final message for our mum and dad is we love you both to heaven and back,” said Ms Madden. Warm applause from the congregation greeted her moving eulogy.
They will be lovingly remembered by their children Mary Madden, Ger, Margaret O'Neill-Clancy, Dianne O'Sullivan, Evelyn McNamara and Noel, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and their many friends.
After the funeral Mass, Mr and Mrs Byrnes were buried together in Mount St Lawrence (extension) Cemetery after 70 happy years together.