Beloved County Meath Woman Mary Anne Cluskey Remembered in Moving Funeral Tribute
The community of Lobinstown, County Meath, gathered in large numbers last weekend to bid farewell to Mary Anne Cluskey, a much-loved local figure whose warmth, hospitality, and devotion to family left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She passed away earlier this month after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones.
On Saturday, May 20, Mrs. Cluskey was laid out at the home of her daughter Anne, where a steady stream of neighbours, friends, and well-wishers from across Ireland and beyond arrived to pay their respects. From 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., tea and refreshments were served in the same spirit of welcome she had shown throughout her life. “My mother always greeted visitors with a smile and a cup of tea, making them feel like they were returning home,” her daughter Mary recalled.
The funeral took place the following day at the Church of the Holy Cross in Lobinstown. The church was filled to capacity, with a large crowd standing outside. A devout parishioner, Mrs. Cluskey was honoured with a service led by Father Gerry Boyle and Father Smith. Father Michael Sheerin, a longtime family friend who often referred to the Cluskey home as “the all-night diner,” was unable to attend due to illness but sent his condolences.
Music — a central part of the Cluskey household — played a significant role in the service. Her husband Tom performed a traditional tune on the button accordion, nephew Wayne offered a poignant guitar solo, and singers Kathy Crinion, Jordan Mogey, and Adrian Goslin performed songs close to her heart. Mary herself sang two solos accompanied by Larry Ward, her former teacher who had encouraged her musical talent from an early age.
A guard of honour was provided by Dee Rangers, Syddan GFC, Newtown United, and Syddan Foróige Youth Club, reflecting her strong ties to the local community. Sean Carry supplied a public address system so the large number of mourners outside could hear the ceremony.
Born on September 13, 1931, near Lobinstown, Mary Anne Cluskey began her working life as a child minder in Parsonstown House before spending eight years as a psychiatric nurse at St. Brigid’s Hospital in Ardee. After marrying Tom from Creevagh, she devoted herself to raising their six children. For the last decade of her own mother’s life, she cycled more than a mile each way several times a day to care for her while keeping her own household running — never once complaining.
Following the service, mourners gathered at the Lobinstown Inn, just a short distance from her birthplace. The family expressed heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming messages of sympathy received in person, by post, and online. “We have taken great comfort from the support,” Mary said.
Mrs. Cluskey will be remembered as a woman of great faith, kindness, and resilience — a steadfast presence in her family and community whose legacy of love and generosity will endure for generations.