Remembering a courageous community advocate

Obituary - the late Anne McGauran, Drumlion, Ballinagh

“She was a voice for people who did not have a voice, or had a voice, but were afraid to use it.” Those were the insightful words of her daughter, Olivia, when she delivered a touching appreciation in St Patrick’s Church, Potahee, on a January Sunday afternoon. Anne McGauran from Drumlion, Ballinagh - a dynamic community advocate and champion, had left this world behind.

The huge crowds of mourners who turned out for the funeral mass in Potahee on and her removal to St Felim’s Church in Ballinagh on the Saturday evening, are a wonderful testimony to a woman of the people and a former nurse. Record numbers also called to McGauran home on the Friday evening where the traditional Irish wake came into its own, as friends and neighbours and people from adjoining counties recounted their fond memories of Anne.

The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kelly and he was assisted by Fr Sean McDermott and Fr Peter Casey. Following the Funeral mass in Potahee, Anne was laid to rest in the New Cemetary.

“It is difficult to find words that truly capture's the life of Mammy, who touched so many hearts and left a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to encounter her nonjudgemental and caring ways. A nursing career saw Anne care and nurture people for many years. She continued tirelessly to be a voice for people and was a dynamic advocate, well beyond her nursing years,” said Olivia.

“You and Daddy – you both moved through life side by side; where one went, the two went. From that Tuesday night in the County Hall in Mullingar in Mullingar, when your paths crossed for the very first time. Big Tom was playing on that Tuesday night – Daddy knew he had hit the jackpot,” she said during the moving appreciation.

Dances in the Granada Ballroom in Granard ensured that this romance blossomed and her then boyfriend Phil McGauran enjoyed going off on dates in his Ford Capri, with the girl from Drumnacooha, Ballinalee.

Married life brought many joyful and rewarding days and Anne’s easy-going nature and great work ethic and love of life, made her an endearing person to be around.

There were social nights in Barney Mac’s for a G&T and pint of Guinness. Anne and Phil also loved going to auctions together and the bits and bobs around the house are proof of that.

Anne made her own wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses and later created beautiful debs dresses for her daughters Olivia and Lupeta.

Her work ethic ensured that she never stopped for a minute between the house and the farm and Anne loved animals – cats, dogs, hens, rabbitts, a baby deer and Indian Runner Ducks enjoyed their stay in Drumlion. She also enjoyed looking after the Angus calves and they would come running to her at feeding time.

Anne had a great flair cooking and baking and her wedding and christening cakes showcased her talent and creativity. Anne loved to travel together with Phil and there were fun days in Achill Island when the family were young. In later times, they enjoyed breaks in Lamate in Spain and also cruises.

She was an incredible mother to Philip, Matthew, Lupeta and Olivia and made their lives joyful and fulfilling.

Secretary of the Ballinagh and District Vintage Club from the early days of the group, Anne put her heart and soul into making it a success together with all the members. It was nice to see the vintage tractors lead the hearse from her home to Potahee for her funeral mass.

Anne contacted Carrigallen Vocational School last year to inform them that their special classes would be the beneficiaries of the 2025 Sam Bennett Memorial Run under the auspices of the Ballinagh and District Vintage Club, which took place on June 28. A cheque amounting to €8,900 was handed over to the school principal, Veronica Edwards by Matthew McGauran in Cronin’s Bar.

She was also actively involved in the Breffni Blues Special Olympics committee.

Her fundraising activities covered a broad spectrum over the years and there are people benefiting today from her groundbreaking role in the community.

The family would like to express thanks to the doctors and nurses in St James’ Hospital and all the staff in Medical 1 in Cavan General and the wonderful Palliative care team who all looked after Anne so well.

Her GP, Dr McNamee in Killeshandra; carer Stephanie and the staff at Murtagh’s Pharmacy also came in for special mention, as did the many neighbours and friends who supported the family throughout Anne's illness and in the days around her passing and funeral.

"Your presence throughout kept us going," said Olivia.

Anne is survived by her husband Phil, daughters Olivia and Lupeta and sons Philip and Matthew and also by her sister Hannah and brothers Peter and Micky.