Death of former Mayo shopkeeper deeply mourned

THE death has occurred of Kathleen O'Malley (née O'Grady), Rathbawn Road, and formerly of O'Malley's Shop, McHale Road, Castlebar, and Falduff, Louisburgh.

Kathleen and her late husband, Kevin, ran the iconic O'Malley's Shop on McHale Road for many years.

Many people have treasured memories of trips to O'Malley's, sent to collect the messages or popping in for a treat.

Friendly and welcoming service was the order of the day, and Kathleen's kindness and warm personality made her a firm favourite with those she met, both in the business and outside it in the wider community.

In online tributes, one former neighbour recalled: 'Very fond memories of my mother sending me to O’Malley’s shop on McHale Road for messages.

'Kathleen would always be sitting inside the counter and her beloved husband Kevin would never be far away in the shop.

'Provided an exceptional service to the people of McHale Road while in business on the road.'

Another tribute stated: 'Fond memories of Kathleen and Kevin in the shop in McHale Road - always pleasant and welcoming.'

Kathleen died peacefully at The Ross Suite at the Sacred Heart Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Kevin.

She is deeply regretted by her daughter Karen, sons Damien, Jarlath, Aidan and Conor, brother Patrick, sisters Mary Sheridan, Una Keating and Irene Duffy, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is extended on their loss.

Reposing is at Coady's Funeral Home this evening (Wednesday) from 5.30 to 7 p.m. Removal from Coady's Funeral Home on Thursday at 10.30 a.m. to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for requiem Mass at 11 a.m. Funeral afterwards to Castlebar New Cemetery.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.