A LONG FAREWELL AND SAD GOODBYES FOR AN ICONIC LADY PAT HOWARD (Nee Livesey)

A LONG FAREWELL AND SAD GOODBYES FOR AN ICONIC LADY PAT HOWARD (Nee Livesey) - THE NONAGENERIAN HAD TOUCHED THE LIVES OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE IN SO MANY WAYS.

Writes John Twomey

On November 5^th last the news of Pat Howard’s death was announced and it was received by both young and old with sadness and a sense of loss.  Hence they came in great numbers to express their sorrow and say their goodbyes.

HUGE TRIBUTES

One of the largest crowds ever assembled at the Carrigaline Funeral Home stood and waited their turn in the harsh prevailing November weather.  It was the same at her Funeral Mass in Shanbally with The Church of The Immaculate Heart of Mary filled to capacity.   It is only very special people command such respect and regard.   Her Requiem Mass was celebrated by her great friend Rev. Fr. Sean O’Sullivan with Bishop Sean Buckley in attendance.  Her coffin bearing the Shamrock H & F Club flag was borne from the Church to the nearby Cemetery.  She was surely at rest and at peace in her own place neath the shadow of Barnahaley Castle and overlooking Loughbeg.  A beautiful and haunting rendition of “The Banks of my own lovely Lee” warmed the chilly air as the ceremony concluded and before people went their separate ways.

The late Pat Howard

A FULL LIFE

Pat Howard led a very full life engaging with so many people through the various groups and organisations that she belonged to.  From an early age Hurling and Shamrocks were in her psyche.  Her dad Tom Livesey played Senior Hurling with Shamrocks and was a member of the Cork Junior Hurling Team All Ireland winners in 1916.   Her Uncle Jim Russell would play Senior Hurling with Cork with her brother Donal also wearing the Cork jersey.  She played Camogie and took a keen interest in all Club activities including Festivals and Concerts.  She was always happy with a hurley in her hand and right up to last Christmas she would attend the Clubs Long Puck event.  She was elected a Vice-President of the Club, an honour she always cherished.  She had time and interest in doing so many other things too.  She was active in the Legion of Mary and The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and an avid supporter of the local Ringaskiddy Residence Association.

SHANBALLY CHURCH SACRISTAN

This position was very dear to her and she valued and treasured every moment she spent in this old village Church now 206 years since it first opened its doors in 1819.  She spent many hours every week carrying out her various duties and responsibilities.  She was always at hand to meet and greet and engage with so many people who would enter the Church for Masses, Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals. Pat was there to meet and greet friend and stranger.   Her endearing and pleasant attitude and demeanour made very approachable for all people.  The prevailing Clergy were so fortunate to have such a wonderful charismatic person on their Parish Team.

“We hold you close within our hearts

And there you shall remain

To talk with us throughout our lives

Until we meet again”.