Late Grainne Cunningham was a dedicated teacher who touched many lives

While students of the Abbey Vocational School received their Leaving Cert results, one of the school’s most dedicated former teachers was being laid to rest. 

Late of Ashdoon Brae, Donegal Town, Grainne - or Ms Cunningham as she was known to generations of Home Economics students - died peacefully at Donegal Town Community Hospital on Wednesday, August 23. 

The Funeral Mass in a beautiful blend of Irish and English was celebrated by Fr Eddie Gallagher in St Conal’s Church, Doochary on Friday at 12 noon. This village church with its strong echoes of people and place was a perfect setting to mark the life of a woman who gave so much to her vocation while maintaining a deep connection to where she came from.

Fr Gallagher said: “Grainne had a fulfilling life as a teacher and a family member. Many people will miss her.”

He expressed sympathy and regards to Grainne’s sister Baba who was unable to attend, and to her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and close friends. 

Family members were joined by Grainne’s friends and neighbours, former colleagues and past pupils. Prior to removal to Doochary, Grainne’s remains had reposed overnight in St Mary’s Church in her adopted parish of Killymard, where many more people had paid their respects. 

Fr Gallagher told those gathered: “Grainne had a very distinguished life as a teacher in Carrick and in Donegal Town. One of her past pupils spoke to me this morning and said she was a lovely teacher, a lovely person”

Grainne never married and had no children, but she touched many lives, within her own family and among generations of Home Economics students. 

Fr Gallagher said: “It is important that we remember Grainne, and remember her good work as a teacher over many years.”
The celebrant reflected on how we all travel life one step at a time. He compared it to climbing a mountain, step by step until we reach the top.

“Today, Grainne has climbed all the steps,” he said. “She has reached the summit of the mountain. 

“And as we look back on the road of her life, we say thanks to Grainne.”

Fr Gallagher spoke of Grainne’s long illness and of the courage with which she bore it, and her acceptance in recent weeks that the end was near.

He thanked her medical team, in particular those in Donegal Community Hospital. Those involved in her medical care over recent years were also remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful. 

Fr Gallagher thanked everyone who had travelled for the Mass, as well as everyone who participated. 

Beautiful music was provided by Jennifer and Zara McLaughlin.

Following Funeral Mass, Grainne was brought to Cill Bhríde Cemetery, Lettermacaward for burial. The cortege paused at the home of her sister Baba so that she too could pay her final respects. 

Grainne is sadly missed by her sister, Baba, sister-in-law, Fran, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family and her long time friend and neighbour, Christine.

Fr Gallagher told mourners: “Grainne began her spiritual journey here in the Rosses. She ends it here today as her body is laid to rest in Cill Bhríde. That was her wish.”