Margaret Gibbons

Margaret Gibbons, Bohaun, Killawalla.  The death has taken place recently of Margaret Gibbons, Bohaun, Killawalla, a member of well known family in the locality. Daughter of the late James and Ann McGing (Nee Ryder) she received her national school education in Aughagower NS.

During her earlier years she worked for a school teacher in Lankill. In 1945, she married Patrick Gibbons and the couple were blessed with seven children.

In her adopted village of Bohaun she integrated well into the local community where she made many long term friends. Her life revolved around her family - providing a loving and caring environment for her children along with her husband, Patrick.

However, for Margaret, a cloud of sadness enveloped her life when her mother, Ann died in 1969; her husband died in 1970 and her younger sister, Annie Hertrrich died in a car accident s in the late 1970s.

Margaret loved working on the family farm. The first day of May each year was the day which signalled the end of the time for the sowing of the crops and the arrival of the time to cut the turf. Like many women in the farming community she was very resourceful as she completed many jumpers and cardigans through her knitting skills. She also enjoyed tending her well kept garden.

Margaret loved to hear the knock on the front door to signal the arrival of visitors. The visitor was always welcome in her home and once they had crossed the threshold the kettle was on the boil to make a welcoming cup of tea. She loved the occasions when she was taken on a shopping trip to one of the local towns or to visit her cousins in Westport and the surrounding areas. Just over a year ago Margaret was delighted when she was special guest of her family and friends for the celebration of her 80th birthday in Paddy’s Pub, Tourmakeady and for her 70th birthday in her daughter Margaret Shorts Pub, Castlebar almost 12 years ago.

The family appreciated all those who came to visit her in her home including Marty Hoban, Petie McHale, and Patricia McGing who visited her every day during her illness and  her Home Help, Patsy Heveran, Partry for all her help and kindness towards their mother and to Peter Carter and Tony Bourke and Killawalla Pastoral Council for all their help. Her family also appreciate the loving care giving to their mother by the doctors, nurses and staff in the District Hospital Swinford

During her funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Jack Garvey, Carnacon and his concelebrants, Fr Tom Brady, Galway and Fr Michael Farragher, Castlebar, the Lessons were read by Marie Gibbons and Robert O’Sullivan. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by Edward Muldoon.

The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by Lorraine and Alan Shortt, Angela McLoughlin, Graham Holden, David O Sullivan, Evelyn O’Malley and Michelle Shortt

Gifts, reflecting aspects of Margaret’s life, were carried to the altar by Róisín and Nicola Gibbons, Ann Marie Shortt, Jerry Gibbons, Dolores Maxwell, Julie Gibbons and Paul Meehan

During the Post Communion Reflection, her granddaughter, Karen Gibbons, paid glowing tributes to her granny when she “Nan you have had a wonderful life and from it all you have seven wonderful children, 21 brilliant grandchildren and 23 grandchildren” .

To her sons, John and Jimmy (England); Tommy (Bohaun); daughters, Margaret Shortt (Castlebar) Mary Meehan (Galway) Ann O’Sullivan and Kathleen Holden (England), grandchildren and great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters in law; brother, Paddy McGing (Dublin); sister, Bea O’Malley (Teevenish, Aughagower) and her many other relatives and friends we extend our sincerest sympathies. May her gentle soul rest in peace.