The removal takes place this evening of the late Mai Dooley from Mountrath. She was 86.
Mai, from Shannon Street, Mountrath will be fondly remembered by generations of children and families for the popularity of her small grocery and sweet shop on Shannon Street.
Her house and garden at the same location has since been purchased by Laois County Council where six new maisonettes are to be built. This will be a fitting legacy for a woman that was immersed in her community and involved in so many local organisations and committees.
Mai’s shop itself was a hub of community activity.
Local councillor James Kelly said today, “Mai was a tremendous person for the community, always helping and volunteering with events and fundraisers. Her shop was a focal point for Mountrath families and in particular she was passionately involved in Daffodil Day for the Cancer Society.”
Mai certainly lived a full and active life as she was a member of so many of the clubs and organisations in Mountrathincluding the Mountrath Development Association, the Opera Society, ICA, the Flower and Garden Club, the PTAA, Tennis Club and Table Tennis Club.
Mai’s shop was also where people came to drop in all the local notes and news items from all the area’s sports clubs, organisations and committees, for inclusion in the local area news pages of the Leinster Express.
Mai herself was also a great supporter of fundraising functions and events and she was regularly in attendance at fork suppers, dinner dances and dress dances in support of local club’s and charities. She was always glamourous and elegant as the many photos taken of her by Jim Yorke and published in the Leinster Express are testament.
Mai Dooley, Shannon Street, Mountrath, died on Thursday, peacefully, in the tender loving care of matron and staff of St. Vincent’s Hospital Mountmellick.
She is survived by her sorrowing brothers Joe and Tommy, sister-in-law Sal, brother-in-law Jim, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives and friends. Her brother Joe owned and ran a garage on the outskirts of Mountrath on the Portlaoise Road. Tommy lives in Clonaslee.
Her Removal is this Saturday evening to St. Fintan’s Church, Mountrath, arriving at 6pm.
Requiem Mass is on Sunday morning at 11.30am, followed by burial in St. Fintan’s Cemetery, Mountrath. May she rest in peace.
