Tributes paid on death of former Bealnamulla postmistress

Tributes have been paid to the former postmistress in Bealnamulla, Geraldine Finneran, who passed unexpectedly on March 29, in the care of the staff of Mullingar General Hospital.

Cllr John Keogh recalled fond memories of times past spent in Finneran's shop where Geraldine would always greet her customers with a "warm and friendly" smile.

“I am very saddened to hear of Geraldine’s passing. Geraldine was a very popular and well respected member of the community in Bealnamulla.

"I have fond memories of when I used to call in to the shop with my mum or my aunts when I was younger and Geraldine was always so kind and friendly.

"Many of those who would have played the pitch and putt course across the road would regularly call into the shop to get ice cream or sweets, where you would be warmly greeted by Geraldine or her late husband Tom.

"Geraldine was always interested to know how people were getting on in life, whether it was school, college or work.

"I remember when the An Post Acorn Stamp saving scheme for young people existed, I was used to call in and get my stamps of Geraldine. She will be sadly missed by the many who knew her well.

"My thoughts and prayers and that of the entire community go out to her daughters, Orla, Aoife and Deirdre, Partner, Cecil, her extended Finneran and Molloy family and her many friends and all who loved her well. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis," Cllr Keogh said.

Mike Fallon, owner of Woodview Country Club, was a former neighbour of Geraldine during her time as postmistress in Finneran's shop.

He too paid tribute to Geraldine noting that she would be sorely missed and a friend who always had time for those in the community.

"We all looked out for each other in our community and Geraldine was always so good natured and welcoming when you called into her shop," Mike said.

Geraldine will be sadly missed by her loving daughters Orla (Celbridge), Aoife (UK) and Deirdre (Dublin), partner Cecil Clarke (Borrisokane), sons-in-law Mike and Paddy, grandsons Thomas and Ciarán, brother Joe (Clontuskert), sisters Maura Briscoe (Gurtymadden) and Carmel Glennon (Dublin), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and her many good friends.

Geraldine will repose at St Brigid's Funeral Home, Brideswell (N37 EK88) on Wednesday evening (April 2) from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St Ronan's Church, Taughmaconnell . Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday morning (April 3) at 11am with burial afterwards in Taughmaconnell cemetery.