Irish Singer Pays Emotional Tribute as Mother Laid to Rest in County Meath
Irish singer Mary has shared a heartfelt account of her mother’s funeral, held just over a week after her passing following a short illness. The funeral, which took place on Sunday, May 21, at the Church of the Holy Cross in Lobinstown, County Meath, drew an extraordinary turnout, with the church filled to capacity and a large crowd gathered outside to pay their respects.
The late Mary Anne Cluskey, born on September 13, 1931, was remembered as a devoted mother, wife, neighbour, and friend. A woman of deep faith, she was a familiar face in her parish and a warm presence to all who visited her home. “She always made visitors welcome with a smile and a cup of tea, sending them off as though her home were theirs,” Mary recalled.
The wake was held at the home of Mary’s sister, Anne, on Saturday, May 20, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., where a steady stream of neighbours, friends, and acquaintances from across Ireland and beyond came to offer condolences. Family members, neighbours, and close friends provided tea and refreshments, a fitting tribute to the hospitality for which Mrs. Cluskey was known.
The funeral Mass, celebrated by Father Gerry Boyle and Father Smith, featured moving musical tributes that reflected Mrs. Cluskey’s love of music. Mary’s father performed a traditional tune on the button accordion, while nephew Wayne delivered a haunting guitar solo. Singers Kathy Crinion, Jordan Mogey, and Adrian Goslin — all favourites of the late Mrs. Cluskey — performed songs selected for the occasion. Mary herself sang two solos, accompanied by longtime friend and mentor Larry Ward on organ.
Music, Mary noted, was ever-present in their home growing up, with her father playing accordion and local musicians often visiting. “I’m sure Ma enjoyed the music in the church,” she said.
Tributes also came in the form of a guard of honour from Dee Rangers, Syddan GFC, Newtown United, and Syddan Foróige Youth Club. Sean Carry provided the public address system, ensuring those outside could hear the service.
Mrs. Cluskey’s life was one of dedication to her family and community. She worked as a child minder in Parsonstown House for two years, then served eight years as a psychiatric nurse at St. Brigid’s Hospital in Ardee before marrying her husband Tom of Creevagh. Together, they raised six children in a loving home. For the final decade of her own mother’s life, she cared for her daily — cycling more than a mile each way several times a day to manage two households, never once complaining.
Following the service, mourners gathered at the Lobinstown Inn, close to Mrs. Cluskey’s birthplace. Mary expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support received through social media, letters, and in person. “My family really appreciate it, and we have taken great comfort from the support,” she said.
Mrs. Cluskey is remembered as a woman of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and enduring love — qualities that left a lasting mark on all who knew her.