Roscrea Musical Society mourn two cherished 'stalwart members'

It was with great sadness that Roscrea Musical Society learned of the death of Margaret Lyons and Michael Maher.
Margaret was a stalwart of the Society for many years and was an Honorary Life member.

Her first involvement with the Society was in 1952 in the Juvenile Opera Zurika. Her first show was in 1958 Desert Song, and she went on to take part in nine further shows.

She joined the committee in 1974 and has been a very active member for over forty years. She was joint treasurer with her great friend Mary Pyne on numerous occasions and was well known to all our patrons through her tireless work in the booking office in Roscrea Credit Union.

Other roles Margaret carried out with the Society included Wardrobe mistress, Patrons and Members secretary, fundraising and above all being a friend to the cast and crew.

Margaret Lyons RIP

Roscrea Musical Society are also saddened to hear of the death of Michael Maher. Michael was involved with the Society for over thirty years in many different roles.

He started in 1973, spending 11 years on the stage crew and was stage manager for six of them. He also spent 17 years on stage construction.

A gifted carpenter and craftsman, he enhanced the facilities of the Abbey Hall, building a permanent extension to the stage with moveable raised platforms for easy viewing by patrons and enhanced the ladies' changing room. He also secured a full set of comfortable chairs for the Hall.

In 1992, Michael joined the front of house team and he spent fifteen years in this role. He loved meeting people, and he excelled in this role. In 2007, he was the first recipient of the Unsung Hero award, which he jointly shared with his lifelong friend Paddy Moloney R.I.P.

This was in recognition of his enormous contribution to Roscrea Musical Society Sincere condolences to his daughters Paula and Mary and all his extended family.

Michael Maher RIP

Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dilis.