Tributes flow in after passing of South Offaly community stalwart

The parish of Seir Kieran lost one of its most beloved members last week with the passing of community stalwart Catherine Dooley, who has been described as “an amazing lady who always made time for everyone.”

Catherine (nee Mulrooney) who lived at Bellhill, Clareen, with her husband, Kieran and family, passed away peacefully in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, on Saturday, April 20 last, surrounded by her loving family.

The founder of both Seir Kieran Camogie Club and Seir Kieran Community Group, of which she was treasurer, the late Catherine Dooley was a pillar of her local parish and community and was deeply involved in every aspect of life in Clareen.

Her untimely passing, after a short illness, was greeted with deep shock and sadness, and leaves a huge void in the local area which will be impossible to fill.

Many warm tributes have been paid to the memory of Catherine Dooley over the past week, with Seir Kieran Community Group recalling her “funny and witty character” on stage as a member of Seir Kieran Drama Group, and her annual tasks of planting containers, picking weeds and putting up Christmas decorations to ensure that her beloved Seir Kieran parish always looked its best.

“She had an amazing strength of character and was a joy to be around,” said the Seir Kieran Community Group tribute/

The group added that its members will miss her “more than words can express” while a poignant tribute from Seir Kieran Camogie Club spoke of how she wore the black and amber club colours “with great pride” over the years and also served as a committee member and children's officer.

The tribute also spoke of how both the Dooley and Mulrooney families are steeped in Seir Kieran GAA, with Catherine being one of their “greatest supporters.”

As well as being a GAA stalwart, the late Catherine Dooley was renowned as “a great character and a wonderful family woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew her” said her local camogie club.

Catherine Dooley was laid to rest in Seir Kieran cemetery in Clareen on Tuesday last, April 23, following Requiem Mass that day at Seir Kieran parish church.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents Seamus and Madge, brother Micheal and infant son, baby John.

She will be forever missed by her loving husband Kieran, daughters Mairéad, Katie, Kiera, son Tom, adored granddaughter Carly, sons-in-law Gosh and Ciaran, mother-in-law Betty Dooley, sisters; Ann & Ber, brother Paddy, extended family, relatives, neighbours and her many wonderful friends.