Nancy was born in Ballydavid and hers was a simple life well lived with her family

The death occurred on January 19 last of Nancy Hyland (née Hanley) of Galbally and late of Ballydavid, Bansha.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband John (Johnny), parents Richard (Dick) and Maureen, sister Mary and brothers Larry and Michael.

Nancy’s mother Maureen or Mary Anne (Quinn) as she was named as a child, was my aunt. She was my dad’s sister so Nancy was my first cousin.

Maureen married Richard (Dick) Hanley, and they had seven children; sons Larry, Martin, Michael, Noel and Paul, and daughters Mary (McLoughlin) and Nancy.

Anyone who knew Nancy will have nothing but good things to say about her and equally so about her late husband Johnny.

Nancy was born and reared at Ballydavid, Bansha and this was her home until she went to England, where she met and married Johnny Hyland from Galbally.

They returned to Ireland shortly afterwards and came to live in Galbally.

Johnny was immersed in community life in Galbally, particularly GAA and greyhounds, as he used to rear and train some of his own greyhounds, helped and supported by Nancy.

Both of them were involved to various degrees in the coursing club and I recall visiting them in Galbally prior to the annual coursing meeting and seeing them busy working on the catalogue.

Johnny was of course an avid Limerick GAA supporter while Nancy never forgot her Tipperary roots. Indeed, this was not forgotten at her funeral Mass when a Tipperary jersey was one of the symbols brought to the altar by her family, and Slievenamon was sung by the soloist as her remains were carried from the church.

It was fitting that her strong love for her native place was remembered so poignantly at the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Jack O’Neill, PP.

Nancy loved to read and this was also remembered at the Mass when one of her favourite books was presented.

A photograph of Nancy with some of her former co-workers at Cummins’ Food Store in Galbally took pride of place at her funeral, as she was so well remembered from her days behind the counter there, and always with a smile on her face and a chat for everyone.

That was the thing about Nancy (and Johnny also); there was always a great welcome when visiting them in Galbally and also when visiting Nancy’s mam, when she lived in the village.

When Nancy married and came to live in Galbally she became involved in the local drama group and was considered to be a very good actress.

She was also involved in church life in the parish, as Johnny had been also, and I recall that he was responsible for having the crib erected in Galbally Church each Christmas.

Nancy was very proud of her family’s service in the Irish Defence Forces. All of her brothers served in the Irish Defence Forces as did her late sister’s husband, Tom McLoughlin.

She was really proud of their service at all different levels and overseas and of the fact that this service continues today through her family members in the next generation.

Nancy led a simple life and this was reflected in the simple yet lovely funeral ceremony.

It was as Nancy would have wished.

When Nancy’s memory began to fail she had the great support of her son Noel and her grandson Dean.

She was really proud of them both and they returned this in spades in the care and love that they showed her.

She also received great care from all the staff in the Woodlands Nursing Home in Dundrum, where they made her feel very much at home and welcome, and also from the extended Hyland family, who were a constant support to her.

Nancy also loved to attend the St Vincent’s Day Centre in Tipperary Town and to meet up with her much-loved cousin Maureen Duffy, until Covid stopped all gatherings and also prevented visits to nursing homes.

Thankfully, Nancy’s family were able to be with her in her final days and this was of great comfort to them.

Nancy passed away very peacefully on Thursday January 19.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday January 22 at Christ the King Church, Galbally, and she was interred afterwards in the local cemetery.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to her son Noel, grandson Dean, brothers Martin (Limerick), Noel (Bansha) and Paul (Kildare), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, friends and extended Hyland, Hanley and McLoughlin family members.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.