The camogs and Gaels who lined out for a Guard of Honour at the funeral of Crossmaglen’s Margaret McConville “did her proud”, her family has aid.
The former honorary President of Crossmaglen Rangers and “club legend”, dedicated her whole life to her local club. She was a true stalwart to the black and amber, holding many different roles over the years.
Margaret sadly passed away – aged 90 – earlier this month on August 4 surrounded by her loving family.
Countless tributes were made to the beloved mother, grandmother and friend. During her Requiem Mass, Fr Dermot Maloney presided spoke of a woman whose life was defined by “three Fs – faith, family and football”.
Now, just weeks on from her death, her children, siblings and family circle have expressed their sincere thanks to all those who sympathised and supported them during their unimaginable grief.
Among the recipients of their gratitude were the many health professionals who cared for Margaret, “especially during the last few years”.
“To the doctors and nurses past and present and to the clerical staff in both Rathkeeland House and the Health Centre, Crossmaglen, for your care and support including the many house calls carried out,” they said. “We sincerely thank the ‘Hospital Care At Home’ team who enabled Margaret to remain at home in her final week, and for the invaluable guidance and care of the local District Nurses and Evora Hospice end of life staff, during her final few days.
A special thanks was given to her team of carers from the Southern Trust and Enable Services who built up a “special relationship” with Margaret and whom she regarded as her “friends and trusted guardians”.
Fr Moloney P.P. was thanked for his frequent pastoral visits to the house and for his “sensitivity, caring and comforting prayers” in Margaret’s final week.
To their fellow Gaels throughout the country the family gave sincere thanks.
To her own Club, Crossmaglen Rangers, they were praised for their “many acts of kindness” and for the male and female football teams and Camogie teams – past and present – the management teams, club members and supporters who visited the house and who formed Guards of Honour and carried the coffin along the route, the family said simply “you did her proud”.
Members of the Armagh County Board, senior players and management teams also helped carry Margaret’s coffin during her final journey, attended her wake and funeral.
“Thank you to Ulster Council President Michael Geoghegan and to all the Ulster council members and representatives past and present and to the GAA President Jarlath Burns, and former Presidents Larry McCarthy and Aogan O’Fearghail for their attendance,” said the family.
“Also to the personnel of the footballing and hurling fraternity from all over the country and to journalists, media personnel and pundits from several outlets, who have made their acquaintance with Margaret down through the years, we thank you for your presence at her wake and funeral.
“We would like to acknowledge the role of the Piper, Paddy, and the many and varied groups who lined the route to the Chapel, including shops, businesses, St Patrick’s Primary School staff and pupils, Carers, Health Centre Staff, neighbouring GAA Clubs, our Club personnel, our young Rangers, neighbours, friends and many more. She would have loved it.
“We also wish to sincerely thank Margarets’ sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren and their partners, to her nieces and nephews and to her extended family and friends for the tireless work you did during the very busy last week of Margaret’s life. We are also grateful to all those who made donations to Evora Hospice.”
The family wrote a lengthy and heartfelt acknowledgement for all those who contributed and sympathised in the days following Margaret’s passing.
To read the acknowledgement in full please click here.
