RIP: 'Great emptiness' in Longford and Roscommon following death of Patricia Manning

When someone with a vibrant personality and very active in the community passes away it leaves a great emptiness in the area and this was the case when news broke of the sudden death at her residence on Saturday, October 11 of Patricia Manning, St Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague. 

The sense of shock brought a great darkness to the community. A native of Coole, Westmeath she moved to Ballyleague with her husband Tony when he came to work with ESB in the power station. Patricia was an extraordinary community activist and she involved herself greatly for many years in the Ballyleague community.

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For Patricia her family came first and foremost and she was thoroughly dedicated to their care and wellbeing. Patricia expected and demanded the same 100% that she was putting in herself from everyone involved and her efforts generally were very successful. 

She was a lady of great faith and belief and spent a lot of time cleaning in and around the church in Ballyleague. She was involved with St Faithleach’s ladies football for a number of years and along with her management team brought ladies football to the highest peak. At the time of her death Patricia was highly respected member of staff in the Innis Ree Nursing Home where she was renowned for her hard work and caring nature.

A lady with a word for everyone and she was always had the time to stop and chat with anyone seeking solace or just a friendly bit of banter. In recent years the Thursday night bingo in Ballyleague Hall got all her attention where she ensured that everything was organised properly and running smoothly and nothing was left to chance.

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In the past week many words of praise were uttered for her dedication and her great community spirit. Patricia’s passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her.

Patricia reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 14 and removal took place from her home to the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague on Wednesday for the Mass of the resurrection. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her husband Tony, sons Andrew, Michael and Alan, daughters Miriam and Carol, her sisters Marie, Teresa and Ita, her brothers Liam, Joe, Patrick, Gerry and Richard, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

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