One of Portlaoise’s best loved and well known parishioners, Lena Connolly has died. She was 82.
Mrs Connolly was famed for her gifted singing voice, was a renowned soprano and chorister in SS Peter and Pauls Church.
She sung at all major church occasions and countless wedding ceremonies down the years.
She also used her talent to perform in many shows and musical productions with the Portlaoise Singers and Portlaoise Musical Society when it was directed by Mrs McCormack.
Mrs Connolly received a special citation from Portlaoise Parish in gratitude and recognition for her years of dedication to the church and in particular the choir. It was presented to her by the Papal Nuncio.
Along with her husband Paddy, the pair cut quite a dash in their youth and were fairly nifty and successful competitors on the ballroom dancing circuit.
They lived on the Stradbally Road, where they reared their family of six.
Lena Connolly, formerly White, is survived by her husband Paddy and her children Martin, Eugene, Dolores, Veronica, Josephine and Patricia, her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and extended family and an extensive circle of friends.
She is reposing at the family home today, Saturday from 4 to 8pm with rosary recital at 8pm.
Requiem Mass is on Sunday at 12.30pm in SS Peter & Paul’s Church. Interment afterwards in SS Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. House strictly private on Sunday.
May she rest in peace.
SEE ALSO – Fr Paddy: Divine mercy – a sacred gift
