Hannah Theresa Kiely R.I.P.

Tuesday, 13 July 2010 18:35

Parishioners were saddened to learn of the death of Hannah Theresa (Tessie) Kiely (nee O’Regan) of Main Street, Tarbert on Monday July 5, 2010. Hannah a native of Dunmanway County Cork had served the people of Tarbert in her capacity as postmistress for many years and she was a very popular member of the community since her arrival in the parish in 1937.

Hard work was no stranger to Tessie as she and her husband the late Daniel Kiely (ex Garda) reared and educated fourteen children when money was a scarce commodity in the Ireland of past times. She was a great housekeeper and her baking ability was treasured by all who enjoyed the fruits of her table. She was famous for her pancakes and workmen when in the area were always welcome to a cuppa and a home baked scone. Her hobbies were knitting, watching television and she loved going to Lynch’s Cinema to watch the westerns of other days. Tessie had a keen interest in the political scene during the turbulent times of the nation’s struggle to establish independence.  Her popularity was evident by the huge crowd that called to the house and church to offer condolence to the family.

Tessie’s remains were shouldered by her children from her home in Main Street to St. Mary’s Church Tarbert for her funeral Mass on Friday July 9 at 2:30pm. It was lovely to see the Kiely Clan who had traveled from different parts of the globe to pay their final respects to Tessie form such an impressive cortege.

Bishop Eddie Carmody and several priests were in attendance for Requiem Mass for the repose of Tessie’s soul which was concelebrated by Fr. Eugene Kiely P.P. Ballyferriter (nephew of the late Daniel Kiely) and Fr. Danny Broderick P.P. Tarbert. Commandant Tracey represented the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Tessie was predeceased by her Husband Daniel and is survived by her by her daughters; Sr. Eileen, Mary (Quirke), Kathy (Skae), Philomena (Moynihan), Margaret (Purtill), Aggie (McMahon), Imelda (Twomey), Gabrielle (McGovern), her sons; Tim, Pete, Dan, Denis, Pat and Mike, her sister Josie and brother Dr. Patrick (Pat), daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nephews, nieces, families and many friends to whom our sincere sympathy is extended. Interment took place in St. Mary’s Cemetery Tarbert. May She Rest in Peace!