Longford mourns "a good listener and a faithful friend"

There was an outpouring of sadness at the passing of “a woman of great strength, courage and determination” Mary Lyons.
Mary was renowned as the popular proprietor of Lyons's Public House on Main Street, Longford and formerly on Bridge Street, Longford. She passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

She was predeceased by her parents Pat and Christina and by her husband John. Addressing the congregation Fr James McKiernan said: “Mary was a gift from God.”

Fr McKeiernan added: “Mary was many things: a loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend.”
He described “a good listener and a faithful friend” adding that she was loving, kind and generous.
Fr McKiernan spoke of the challenges she faced from emigration, to her return to the West of Ireland having lived in America.
She set up home with John in Longford and had to cope with the sudden death of her husband 45 years ago as “a woman of great strength, courage and determination”.

“She could have wilted under the cross she carries as she was left to run a pub while raising four children, but she was a strong woman,” he said.
She was described in the prayers of the faithful as “a humble person who prayed no attention to possessions or wealth”, while her sister spoke of Mary's importance in the family.

Mary service contained many beautiful pieces of music, particularly a moving rendition of Pia Jesu on harmonica.
In an address to the gathered mourners, Mary's daughter Anne-Marie described her mother as having “a special way with people”.
She spoke of the tribulation her mother faced: “She had great resilience. There was no option but to continue to work while raising her four children. These were difficult years to navigate, but she did it well. She had great support from so many people, and found great comfort in her community at that time.”

Anne-Marie added: “She was the most mentally and emotionally strong person I have ever met,” and concluded by saying, “she believed that life is not about being rich, popular or perfect, it is about being real humble and kind.”
Mary will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, daughter Anne-Marie, sons Joe, Brian and John, daughters-in-law Maria and Andrea, and son-in-law Raymond.

Mary's sisters Deirdre (Tazmania), Jean (UK) and Yvonne (Sligo), brothers Micheál (Florida) and John (Mayo), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends will also mourn the loss of the popular woman.

Mass of The Resurrection was celebrated last Monday (January 8) at 11.00am in St. Mel’s Cathedral, with her interment afterwards in Ballymacormack Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.