Obituary: the late Rose Burns, (nee O’Reilly), Cortubber

The death occurred at Cavan General Hospital, peacefully on Friday, February 1, of Rose Burns (nee O’Reilly) Cortubber, Kingscourt.

The deceased, who was in her 83rd year, had only been ill for a short period, she was predeceased by her husband, James, daughter; Kathleen Kearney (O’Connor) sons–in-law; Billy Kearney and Paul Smyth. A quiet and unassuming person with a smile and greeting for all who new her.

Rose’s mother, Mary Seagrave was a national school teacher, in Kingscourt Boys NS, (now the Matt Talbot Hall) in the 1920s and ‘30s. She came from Coradoagh, Muff, she married John O’Reilly, who was a farmer and came from Leitrim Lower, Mullagh, in 1927. They employed men to work the farm, repair machinery and help in the upkeep of the animals and the land. Rose was born in 1930, and was educated in Muff NS school and later St Louis Convent in Carrickmacross, until the age of 16.

In 1946 Rose married James Burns, they had 15 children. During this time Rose was a founder member of the Lough-an-Lea, ICA and remained an active member up until recently. Rose enjoyed social outings, arts and crafts during her time in the ICA. She was also a life long supporter of St. Mary’s Band, Kingscourt, becoming a committee member. Members of her family and grandchildren also became members of the band. On the reformation of St. Mary’s Band in 1962, the late Mr John Farnan, who was bandmaster in the ‘60s and ‘70s was a frequent visitor to her home after band practices, to recite music and song.

In 1997, as a committee member, Rose travelled to New York with St Mary’s Band, to take part in what is the largest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world, walking with committee members behind St Mary’s Band, who were leading the New York, Cavan Association, down New York’s 5th Avenue.

Attending numerous concerts, she was actively involved in fundraising over the years. On the occasion of Rose’s 70th birthday, members of St Mary’s Band paid a surprise visit to her party in a local hotel, which was appreciated. Rose was a lifelong pioneer and member of Kingscourt Pioneer group.

In 2012 Rose was presented with a certificate from the Eucharistic Congress, signifying 80 years of faith. This was a source of immense pride to Rose who cherished her faith dearly. For many years Rose attended a prayer group in Boggin on Thursday evenings; here she prayed with friends and supported others in their time of need.

Rose had a great love of the land and education, like her parents before her, she loved to spend her days at home feeding her hens, baking bread, knitting and sowing, planting her garden and awaiting the arrival of spring to once again see the shoots of new life.

The short lane-way to her home is a fine example of her planting skills, with displays of a variety of seasonal flowers coming-into bloom. Central to all of this was her family. She greatly valued her independence and her ability to make her own way in and out of her beloved Kingscourt, where she was sure to find a smiling face.

There was a large and representative attendance at her funeral which followed con-celebrated Requiem Mass on Monday, February 4 in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Kingscourt, to adjoining cemetery. The celebrants were Rev. Fr. Gerry McCormack P.P. Kingscourt, Rev Fr. Frank Carr, Dalgan Park, Navan. Rev. Fr. Joe McEvoy, Moynalty. Members of the Church Gospel and Folk Choir, St Mary’s Band Ensemble, rendered sacred music, during the requiem Mass.

She is survived by her sons Willy, Sean, Seamus, Patrick, and Thomas; daughters Rose, Helen, Mary, Margaret, Angela, Dympna, Bernie, Monica and Olivia; sons-in-law Frank, Vincent, Gerry, Brendan, Charlie, Ray and JP; daughters-in-law Mary, Geraldine, Bernadette, and Carmel; grandchildren Marcella, Linda, Francis, Caroline, Mark, Mairead, Liam, Mary-Rose, Ciaran, Liam, Niamh, David, Lorraine, Jennifer, Barry, William, David, Sean, Trevor, Geraldine, Enda, Steven, Natasha, Seamus, Roisin, Lisa, Niall, Alan, Padraig, Ronan, Cathal, Lloyd, Hazel, Daniel, Laura, Louise, Darragh, Ryan, Matthew, Oisin, Fionn and Caitlin; great-grandchildren Alanna, Ryan, Harrison, Maxwell, Cillian, Rian, Dylan, Dean, Evan, Rhiannon, Layla and Tadhg and her many friends. She will be sadly missed from the community.

 

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