1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
The late Mrs Kathleen (Kit) Connolly, Bandon and Castlebar
11 February 1998
The death has taken place in her 91st year in the kind and loving care of the staff of St. Anne's Unit, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar of Mrs. Kathleen (Kit) Connolly (nee Gillespie) of Coolfadda House, Bandon, Co. Cork and late of Creagh Villa, Westport Road, Castlebar.
The deceased was mother of Dr. John F. Connolly, Pontoon, Castlebar, chief psychiatrist and RSM, St. Mary's Hospital, Castlebar and managing director of the Connaught Telegraph and of Dr. Irene O'Kane, Maryland, Castlebar.
Last July Kit and her husband Paddy, a native of Altamont Street, Westport, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
After they were married in 1937 the couple moved to Bandon where Paddy established a thriving pharmacy business from which he retired only recently.
Kit was a member of the Gillespie family of Creagh Villa, Westport Road Castlebar, who have been associated with the Connaught Telegraph for several generations.
Her late brothers, Tommy, Dick, Alfie and Bernie were all involved in the newspaper business until the time of their respective deaths. Another brother Freddy died some years ago in New Zealand and a sister Irene passed away many years ago in Canada.
Daughter of the late Thomas H. and Kathleen Gillespie, Creagh Villa, Castlebar the deceased was aunt of Connaught Telegraph editor, Tom Gillespie. She was mother-in-law of the late Dr. David O'Kane of Maryland, Castlebar.
In her younger days Kit, a gifted pianist and singer, was involved in many of the now famed Stephen Garvey opera productions in Castlebar and she was a personal friend of the legendary band leader, a native of Castle Street.
A superb cook, Kit, loved nothing better that entertaining her family and friends to her gastronomic delights. Though petit in size, she had a big heart and was a devoted and loving mother and wife. She loved her native Castlebar and always enjoyed visiting her family there and recalling the days of yore when the town was smaller and the pace of life more relaxed.
A vote of sympathy was extended to the relatives of the deceased at a meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday night. It was proposed by Mr. Johnny Mee, seconded by Senator Paddy Burke.
Mrs. Connolly's remains were removed from the Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar last evening (Tuesday) to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Burial will take place in the old cemetery after Requiem Mass today (Wednesday) at 12 noon.
The deceased is survived by her husband Paddy, son John, daughter Irene (O'Kane); daughter-in-law Betty Connolly, grandchildren Dairmuid, Pat, Stephen and Niamh Connolly, David, Caroline, Roger, Coleman and William O'Kane; sisters Florrie Brophy (Corby, England), Chrissie Bourke (Castlebar) and Muriel Sweeney (Corby, England), great grandchild Serica, sister-in-law Patsy Gillespie (Castlebar), brothers-in-law, Maurice Connolly, Paddy Sweeney and Michael Brophy, nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, great-grand nephews and great-grand nieces relatives and friends.
As a mark of respect the offices of the Connaught Telegraph will be closed from mid-day today (Wednesday) and will reopen at 9p.m. tomorrow (Thursday).
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - February 1998
