Beloved GP with gift for drama and the arts

Maire Eilis (Mairlis) was born in February 1947 in Church Street, Cavan, and was the eldest child of Michael Joseph (Joe) and Eileen Smith. The family moved to Drumalee and Mairlis attended Drumcrave NS and later Loreto Convent as a boarder. During those years she studied piano and violin and was a talented musician with an aptitude for the piano. She was also a talented tennis player and member of Cavan Tennis Club, a game she enjoyed until her 40s. After completing the Leaving Certificate, Mairlis attended University College Galway to pursue her dream of studying medicine, which was a remarkable feat at the time. During her student life, she met and married Belturbet man Eamonn McDwyer and on graduating in 1970 the couple and their first two children returned to Cavan, to complete their internship, during which time their third child was born. After completing their internship they set up in general practice in Cavan town. Mairlis thoroughly enjoyed her career in medicine, which she found deeply fulfilling - her many patients were an important part of her life. She always took a holistic approach, believing that 'modern science did not always have the answers'. She attended the Barbara Brennan School of Energy Healing in Austria and had a keen interest alternative therapies such as Shen and reiki. During her debilitating illness she experienced inner strength and relief from those therapies among others and met many and gifted people. Mairlis was a highly intelligent lady who had a great sense of adventure and was always looking for new challenges in life whether it was flying a plane or directing a play. Those who knew her well will remember her quick wit, sense of fun and mischief, a gritty determination and her ability to listen without judgement. Her sense of adventure encouraged her to travel extensively and she managed to see all the sights that she dreamed of. From an early age Mairlis developed a musical talent which she would pursue and love throughout her life and she was to become an accomplished pianist and songwriter. She wrote a number songs throughout the years and in 1978, now a mother of five, her song 'There"s A Lake For Each Day Of The Year' sung by Mr Ian Pickins, won first prize in its category in the Cavan Song Contest. In this particular song, Mairlis communicated the wisdom of nature and the dynamics of life"s experiences in her lyrics. During this period she wrote many songs and her musical talents gave her great joy. She had her sixth child in 1983. Mairlis was instrumental in the reforming of Cavan Musical Society in 1990, which drew many talented members of the community to take part and continue the tradition annually for several years. Her interest in theatre increased and Mairlis decided to turn her talents to directing plays for Belturbet Drama Society. More success followed as their production of Carthaginians by Frank McGuinness made it to the All-Ireland Finals in Enniscorthy. Mairlis was an avid reader and an enthusiastic communicator. She pursued her hobbies in art and creative writing, right up to her death, undertaking courses in both areas. She enjoyed writing short stories, some of which have been published and she got great satisfaction when she completed a novel, which she hoped to get published. She undertook the certificate course in Cavan College in 2008 and further displayed her creativity in various paintings, sculptures and sketches and participated in the exhibition in Cavan Art Museum, Ballyjamesduff in 2008. She was also enrolled in a creative writing course up to the time of her death. Mairlis is survived by her children Karen, Paula, Eamon, Verna, Rachel, Leah and nine grandchildren; her sister Doli and brother Coleman; her nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered for her passion of healing through various dynamic paths, her artistic talents, empathy and her unique communication skills. May she have an exciting onward journey.