The late Máiréad Meehan The untimely death of Máiréad Meehan at twenty five years of age at the residence of her parents Tycooley, Caltra was the source of heartfelt grief. This was reflected in the estimated 10,000 people who attended over the three days as she Reposed at her home, and at the Funeral Mass in Caltra. Máiréad had battled her illness bravely for seven years, with great dignity, courage, strength and determination. Despite her illness, she completed her studies at DCU and was Conferred with a H.Dip in NUI Galway. She then took up a teaching appointment in the Presentation College, Athenry. Many people travelled long distances from around the country and some from overseas for her funeral. The large attendance of GAA people, referees, players and officials was led by GAA President, Nicky Brennan, while the O'Shea brothers from the Gaeltacht in Kerry were amongst the county players from around the country who attended. The President of the IFA, Mr Padraic Walsh, attended, as did many people from the local and national sports media. Neighbours, friends and the Gardaí acted as stewards to cater for the traffic and parking. Extended family and friends provided catering for the many visitors. A Guard of Honour was provided by the students of Castlefrench National School. The attendance included Sean Boylan, of Meath, and John Joe Halloran, Galway Football Board, and the Caltra GAA Club, led by Chairman, John P Kelly, and Senior Manager, Gabriel Naughton. The church was packed to overflowing and loudspeakers had been installed to relay the Ceremony to the estimated 2,000 people outside. Chief Celebrant, Fr Michaél Donnelly, CC., Caltra welcomed all and extended sympathy to the family on the death of Máiréad. Fr Brendan Dunning delivered a moving Homily and said that most died in the winter of their lives, but she was to die in the springtime of her life. He recalled her academic achievements, her sporting achievements at national school level in Castlefrench and the winning of seven All-Ireland medals in camogie with Holy Rosary Secondary School, Mountbellew, Pearse's (Guteen-Ballmacward) and with Galway County Camogie teams. He spoke of her illness and how she had battled with it, never complaining, and, how right through her illness Máiréad still showed her great wit and humour. Fr Dunning recalled in the Homily her great Faith and how it had carried her through her illness. He paid tribute to her loving boyfriend Kieran Fitzgerald (Belclare) who he said was Máiréad's rock right through her difficulties, and thanked him of the great love and help he had given her. Fr Dunning paid tribute to her parents, her brothers and her friends for their support to her over her short life and he recalled her great pride in her six brothers winning the club All-Ireland with Caltra in 2004 and her pride in seeing her brothers, Tomás and Declan, winning All-Ireland's in 1998 and 2001. Family members participated in the Offertory Gifts, the Readings, Prayers of the Faithful and the Ceremony was enhanced by the Clatra Church Choir, the singing of Blaithín Walsh, and a Choir Presentation Secondary School, Athenry. A beautiful Communion Reflection was delivered by Kieran Fitzgerald, while her brother, Seamus, thanked all who helped the family in many ways, including doctors, nurses, the Hospice, the neighbours, friends and extended family and all who had visited their home. He spoke of the great love shown by Máiréad to her parents and brothers and completed his tribute to her with the old Irish proverb: "Ní bheidh a leithéad arís ann". Main concelebrants were Rev. Fr Michael Donnelly, CC., Caltra, Very Rev Fr Eugene McLoughlin, PP., Roscommon, Rev Fr Brendan Dunning, SMA Claregalway, Rev Fr John McCormack, CC., Moylough, Rev Fr Gerry Byrne, Athenry and Very Rev Fr Oliver Hughes PP., Corofin. They were joined by a large number of other priests and others from religious life. Máiréad was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Ann, brothers, Seamus, Enda, Declan, Tomás, Noel and Michael, her loving boyfriend Kieran Fitzgerald, sisters in law, Caroline and Lisa, Godchild, Niamh, girlfriends, relatives, neighbours and many friends. The Caltra GAA Club and Ladies' Football Club provided refreshments in the local dressingrooms after the funeral. Many local clubs adjourned meetings and functions as a mark of respect and the Galway Rally cancelled its Greenville-Killasolan Stage as a mark of respect to the Meehan family. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 09 February 2007 Tweet

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