Laois GAA club mourns the loss of Portarlington Rose

A warm tribute has been paid to Portlarington woman Rose McCann who has been laid to rest after her recent peaceful passing.

Rose (nee Gallagher) who came from a family of 12 raised in Treascon moved into town after marrying Bracklone Street's Pat McCann. They would settle into family life in 53 St Brigid's Square

The tribute from the GAA praised her work for the club.

"Rose was a constant presence in Portarlington GAA, heavily involved for so many years on the Social and Ladies committees from the 1960's right up to recent years, and she recruited many a cook from Brigid's Sq and around the town to feed literally hundreds of peckish players over the years in McCann Park after a game or training. Her contribution to Portarlington GAA cannot be stressed enough," said the tribute.

It continued: "When Ian Fitzgerald gave his famous speech from the Hogan Stand in 2003 after Laois had just won their first Leinster title in 57 years, he gave a special mention to the 'Ladies of Portarlington GAA Club', for keeping them fed when they came to train in Port.

"Those of us on the pitch that day from Port knew exactly who he was talking about, and Rose could be proud that she was an integral part of that effort," said the tribute.

The loss of Pat in a car crash in 1991 was a blow to everyone in Portarlington, but nobody felt the loss more than Rose and her five children.

'"But adversity & tragedy can bring out the very best in some people & that's exactly the character that Rose displayed as she brought up her children with the utmost pride and dignity, while always keeping her best side out for her friends and she never took a backward step when asked to give her time for the club," said the club tribute.

Apart from her work with the club, she was also praised as as being a tremendous mother and a fiercely loyal friend and neighbour in the tightly knit community of St Brigid's.

"Rose's door was literally always open. Her friends were everything to her and in return, she was everything to them. (The weekly card games in Kathleen Carey's were legendary!)

"Anyone that ever had to face personal loss or tragedy in St. Brigid's square always knew that Rose would be the first one at their door to make a pot of tea or a tray of sandwiches.

"She was selfless, decent, generous....the salt of the earth & required no thanks.

"Rose will be sadly missed by all of us who knew and loved her. Portarlington and Portarlington GAA are the richer for knowing her.

"We offer our sincere condolences to Caroline, Kevin, Brendan, Declan & Shane. To her beloved grandchildren, her siblings, extended family and her even wider family of friends. 

"They just don't make them like Rose anymore," concluded the tribute published by Johnathan Dunne.

Rose died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Regional Hospital Tullamore. Apart from sons and daughters, she also also brothers, sisters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

After reposing at her remains were removed to St Michael's Church, Portarlington for Requiem Mass which was followed by interment in St Michael's Cemetery, Portarlington on Thursday, January 5.

Donations, in lieu of family flowers to The Friends of Tullamore Hospital.