Published: Wednesday, 11th November, 2009 5:00pm

Patsy Maloney, Cavan

The death occurred at Esker Lodge Nursing Home on Sunday, October 25, of one of Cavan town's best known and much loved characters Patsy Maloney, Pound Archway, Upper Main Street, Cavan. Born on St. Patrick's Day 1929, Patsy was only daughter of the late George and Josephine (Jodie) Maloney. Her twin brother Sean died in infancy. The Maloney family were well known bakers and confectioners in Cavan for over 100 years and originated in Limerick. Her mother Josephine was a member of the well-known Cavan business family the Belfords who operated a high class drapery store at Belford's Corner now Bridge Street Corner. Educated at The Poor Clare Convent and Cavan Vocational School, Patsy always wanted to become a nurse and studied in England to obtain her SRN. After her qualification she worked in post war London for a number of years before returning to take up a position as a midwife in Saint Felim's Hospital where she remained until the maternity service was transferred to Saint Joseph's Lisdarn. She was later appointed dental nurse, Cavan County Council, in 1963 working with the inimitable Jean McFeely dental surgeon in the clinic. It was here that Patsy forged a friendly familiar relationship with many generations of young Cavan people and their parents.

Founder member of Cavan Wheelchair Association, Patsy served as chairperson for over 25 years. She was in the forefront of forging a new image for the disabled and through continued pressure helped to change society's attitude making buildings transport and general facilities accessible to the disabled for the first time. Holidays and weekends away were organised and fully availed of opening up a whole new world for people who had been confined to home or institutions. She was honorary president of the Cavan Wheelchair Association at her death.

Long time officer of Cavan Saint Joseph's Young Priest's Society, Patsy campaigned and collected for students studying for the priesthood and lacking funds for their essential education. When Benny Flynn, Drumalee Diocesan Organiser, launched a campaign to set up a branch of the society in every parish in the Diocese, Patsy was his chief supporter travelling long miles to meet interested groups and parties until the dream was fulfilled. Patsy served as regional treasurer (Armagh Region) and was a member of the Central Council. She was honorary president of the Cavan Association at her death.

Patsy was an active member of the Altar Society in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim and took great pride in its appearance and decoration. She was for many years the parish collector in Upper Main Street and carried out her monthly duties in a very diligent and efficient manner. An active member of Cavan Social Services, she enjoyed attending their weekly functions in the Day Centre particularly the Whist Drives where she was often among the prize winners.

For many years Patsy accompanied the Invalid Section of the Annual Kilmore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Her professional expertise inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm and friendly demeanour endeared her to the patients, organisers and staff. She travelled to Lourdes this year with the Pilgrimage making one last visit to the sacred shrine of Our Lady to whom she had a great devotion.

After the death of her parents in 1956/1957, Patsy had as her companion her aunt Nellie, well-known clerical officer with Cavan County Council and a member of the Belford family. Nellie died in 1986 and Patsy lived alone. She forged many new friendships and treasured her long time friends particularly Connie McEntee, Peggy Allen, Jack and Una Smith, Eleanor Reynolds, Margaret Kelly, Frances Hourican and Kathleen Brady who opened their homes and their hearts to Patsy with whom there arose a mutual sisterly devotion. It was fitting that when the end came for Patsy on October 25 at Esker Lodge Nursing Home two of her closest friends Catherine Reynolds and Kathleen Brady were there to comfort and assure her on her final journey into eternity.

She is survived by her first cousin Teresa Smyth, 7 Cootehill Road, Cavan and the extended Smyth, McConnell, Maloney and Belford families and her many friends and neighbours.

Her remains were received at the Cathedral by Fr. John Gilhooley where the Cavan Wheelchair Association, Saint Joseph's Young Priests Society and Cavan Social Services formed a Guard of Honour, Fr. Gilhooley, assisted by Fr. Ray Brady, PP Castletara, and Fr. Andrew Tully, CC Cavan, were the celebrants of the Requiem Mass in the Cathedral on Wednesday, October 28.

Burial took place in Saint Bridget's cemetery Killygarry.

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