Mourners at the funeral of a young Keady woman, who died after a brave battle with cancer last week, heard how she was a a precious daughter – and sister – with a “gigantic heart” who enjoyed making people laugh.
Roisin Molloy was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer – Anaplastic Ependymoma – back in November 2021. She sadly passed away on Friday, at the age of 38.
A large crowd gathered at St Patrick’s Church in Keady for Roisin’s final journey – a testament to how many people loved and cared for her.
A number of offertory gifts were brought to the altar, and among them were an Armagh GAA jersey and a Player of the Year trophy.
Roisin was fortunate to be able to attend Croke Park to watch her beloved Armagh lift Sam Maguire at the end of July. A keen GAA player when she was young, Roisin captained the very first female football team for the Michael Dwyers club in 2009. She went on to win the Player of the Year that season.
“Roisin was an extremely well known and well-loved person; from a very early age she was always very independent, but always was something of a home bird,” said celebrant, Fr Aidan McCann.
“She was a most personable person that people liked to be around, given the great crowds here today. She was an interesting conversationalist, and enjoyed having fun, a laugh and making a good joke.
“Family was most important to her, coming herself from a large family, and although she had no children of her own, she was very attached to and fond of her nieces and nephews.
“She enjoyed travel and went as far as New York, Canada and also to San Francisco on business, including holiday in places closer to home, in Europe.
“She was a most industrious and trustworthy employee, happily working in various roles for Kukoon Rugs, such as customer service and Head of Customer Care, all from 2012 onwards.
“In due course, given her reliability and high standard of work and her ethic, she was appointed project manager in 2018. That same year, Roisin collected a prestigious Best Small Business Award in London, on behalf of the business. Such as Roisin was at work, so she was in life, and also in sport. She was tenacious and strong spirited. She was persevering, winning Player of the Year with the Keady Michael Dwyers back in 2009 – the cup with us here today.”
Fr McCann spoke of how Roisin was in Croke Park at the end of July for the great All-Ireland final win “and the Sam Maguire trophy visited the house in Granemore Park not that long ago”.
“She showed exemplary spirit in her recent fight against illness and, despite her sickness, she didn’t want to be a fuss or burden on anyone, and always preferred to be at home, rather than away in the hospice.”
In fitting tributes from close family members, to close the Requiem Mass, Roisin was described as a “loving daughter, a precious sister, a caring neighbour, and a valuable friend, who looked after everyone”.
“Your golden hair, your big, bright eyes, your gigantic heart filled with love. Your infectious smile, with your witty laugh.”
Roisin was described as a “true Keady gael” who was steeped in the Keady club, on both sides of the fence over the years.
The tribute continued: “An inspiration, filled with courage and joy, Roisin we are all in awe of you; your courage and bravery will live through us all every day…
“Our dearest Roisin, God has you in his keeping, forever in our hearts, you will be. Farewell our good friend, watch over your family until reunited with you.”
Roisin was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May she Rest in Peace.
