Tributes paid to Celine O'Connell and her love of faith, family and fashion

TRIBUTES are being paid to Celine O'Connell (nee Cunnane) who died on Friday January 24. Late of Kilgariff in Knock, Mrs O'Connell died in her home at Ardgowan, Charleville Road, Tullamore.

For many years Celine O'Connell ran Dolan's Pharmacy on William Street with her husband Denis.

Her funeral mass took place this morning Monday January 17 in the Church of the Assumption with burial afterwards in Clonminch Cemetery.

At her funeral mass Fr. Damian Budău described her as a proud Mayo woman.

He said Celine met her husband Denis ''the love of her life'' at a dance and they later married.

''Their love was steadfast and enduring as evidenced by the incredible 60 years they celebrated together this past September,'' he said.

Celine worked as a secretary at Player Wills alongside her sister. She loved Dublin and often went back for a visit, but always visited Clarendon Church to light a candle, buy a mass card or bouquet, ''She moved to Tullamore when she got married and quickly settled into her life on Clonminch road where she built a welcoming home and made lifelong friends. It is fitting that her final resting place will be Clonminch. She would often joke, 'bury me here in Clonminch, sure I wouldn't know anyone in Knock,''' Fr Budău continued.

''Celine's life revolved around her three great passions, her faith, family and her fashion. Her faith was unshakable, she loved Our Lady of Knock, she prayed daily and attended the mass even when her condition made it difficult. Her rosary beads were never far from her hands and her favourite prayer the Hail Holy Queen and the Memorare were always on her lips. Saint Anthony held a very special place in her heart. She loved her family, and her children brought her great joy. She only wanted the very best for them and gave them a great moral code, that they should be kind and generous to others and to always remember that you are no better than anyone else but no one was any better than them,'' said Fr Budău.

''Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, she showered them with love, believing they could do no wrong. She listened eagerly to their views and spent countless hours praying for their exam results. Finally she loved fashion, her love of fashion brought a sparkle to her life and to others. She loved clothes and nice things, she got such pleasure in buying style not just for herself, but gave away as much as she bought,'' Fr Budău said

Symbols of her life were brought to the altar including a family picture representing her love of her family. Her bible and prayers, a symbol of her faith and devotion to our Lady of Knock and St Anthony. An apple tart symbol of her generosity towards others. ''No matter what the occasion or crisis, everyone got an apple tart, homemade... just not from her home,'' said the speaker. Finally a handbag and scarf symbolising her love of fashion, as she would say ''there is no need to let the standards drop.''

Celine O'Connell is predeceased by her sisters and brothers, Patricia (Sullivan), Mary (Hollingsworth), Eddie, Fr. Al, John-Eoin and PJ. Celine will be sadly missed and always remembered by her loving husband Denis and family Anne, Denis, Barbara and Mark, daughter in law Ingrid, sons in law Micheál and Roger, her adored grandchildren Michael, Katie, Eoin, Susan, Amelie, Jill and David, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.