Clonbullogue's Maura Allen remembered as “outstanding community leader”
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Clonbullogue woman Maura Allen has been remembered as ”true volunteer” and “outstanding community leader”, as tributes poured in following her passing.
Maura was remembered for her many years’ experience as a community worker serving on the board of Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly Federation ICA, Offaly Public Particiation Network, Clonbullogue Development Association, Hall Committee and Senior Citizens Group.
Her achievements were recognised in 2002 when Maura shared the Offaly Person of the Year award.
Offaly Federation ICA offered their condolences, describing Maura as a "guiding light" who always had a "lovely greeting with a big smile" for everyone.
"Her kindness, gentleness and empathy endeared her to all members.
“No meeting, trip to An Grianan or any other ICA event was ever missed. Maura's devotion to her family, community, friends and ICA colleagues was an example to us all."
Remembering Maura, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said she was "a great woman for the village of Clonbullogue".
"She was proud to serve the community, and she was involved in every organisation she could have been. She never gave up, and she had a great approach to people.
“Even when she was in the hospital, she was still checking in, and it just goes to show the kind of person she was - very dedicated and committed.
"The community really appreciated everything she did. It'll be hard to find someone as dedicated, but I would like to think the community will continue the work in her memory."
The National Ploughing Association noted the “great contribution” Maura made to both to the ICA and the National Ploughing Association.
“She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.”
Numerous tributes were also posted online. “She put everything she had and everything she did. Around her village in Clonbullogue. she was a lovely woman to meet for a chat ,” one tribute on RIP.ie read.
Another read: “Great memories of sitting in on round table community issues with Maura over the years. Maura was a true volunteer in her community and outside.”
Maura is predeceased by her husband Eddie, brothers Christy and her twin Fr. Tommy and son-in-law Tommy.
She will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by her family: children Anna-Marie, Collette, Edwin, Fergal and Brian, sons-in-law Fergus and Ian, daughters-in-law Karen, Helen and Juleen, devoted grandmother to Aaron, Niamh, Claire, Katie, Rian, Aoibheann, Róisín, Aoife, Conor and Isabel, great-grandchildren Teagan, Faye and Odhrán, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Maura's funeral mass took place on Sunday, June 7, in The Sacred Heart Church, Clonbullogue, followed by burial in Cloncrane cemetery.
May Maura rest in peace.