RIP: Galway businesswoman and hotel owner dies
Alongside her husband she brought a part of Galway city into the 21st Century with major renovations at the turn of the millennium
A well-known and much loved Galway businesswoman and hotel owner has died in a nursing home.
Mary Flaherty, who became known for her role in the redevelopment of The American Hotel in Eyre Square, died at Áras Chois Fharraige Care Home in Spiddal on October 27.
Alongside her husband PJ, they brought the building into the 21st century with major renovations in 2000 which is now occupied by Boylesports and a dental practice with apartments overhead.
Hearing of the news, one local said that they worked in the American Hotel and that it brought “many happy memories of the place and people”.
They added: “PJ and Mary Flaherty who owned it were a lovely couple. I was sad to see it go and even more sad to hear of Mary’s death.”
Another fondly remembered: “My condolences to P.J., Gearoid, Eamonn, Ronan and Eilis and families on Mary's passing. I have many fond memories of meeting Mary in the halls of C.C.R. when myself, Gearoid, Eamonn and Pat were students there in the 1980s. I remember in particular my parents meeting with P.J. and Mary and the friendly banter between them. Later on, during our respective university days and beyond, P.J. and Mary welcomed us to their home in Salthill several times. Their hospitality knew no bounds and the craic was always mighty. May Mary rest in peace and may you all find comfort in your memories of her.”
In a statement The Flaherty Family said: “We would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Áras Chois Fharraige Care Home, especially Katie, Dana and Cian, for the exceptional care and compassion that Mary received throughout her time there. The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to Mary's Medical Team - Dr. Sinead O'Byrne and all the team at Spiddal Medical Centre, Dr. Helen Howley at Salthill Medical Centre and Dr. Tom and Joan McConnell, formerly of Camp Street Surgery, Oughterard.”
Mary is reposing at Irwin’s Funeral Home, Bóthar Irwin on Friday from 5pm with removal at 6:30pm to St. Ignatius Jesuit Church on Sea Road.
Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at 11am with funeral afterwards to The New Cemetey in Bohermore.
Her death notice reads: “Mary passed away very peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Áras Chois Fharraige Care Home, Spiddal, on October 27th, 2026.
“Predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and William Geraghty and her three infant brothers.
“Beloved wife of P.J. and cherished mother of Éilis, Eamonn, Gearóid and Ronan. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, daughter, sons, daughter-in-law Alma, son-in-law Ciarán, Eamonn's partner Karla, Gearóid's partner Edilaine, her adored grandchildren Rachel, Síona, Liam and Robert, her great-grandchildren Isabella and Stephen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.”