Sadness in Camross following the passing of the much loved Mary (Maria) Lalor

The death occurred suddenly of Mary (Maria) Lalor of Garrafin in Camross and formerly Killenure on January 3.

Marie and her husband Fint resided at Garrafin in Camross for many years. They reared two sons, Fintan and John, where hurling and religion was the main topic.

On Maria’s side of the family, the Carrolls, her brother Billy played in a minor final with Camross in 1955 while Paddy lined out in the senior final of 1959 with Cuddagh.

Maria’s late husband Fint captained Camross where his brother Paddy also played before moving to Mountrath and lining out with them in the intermediate final of 1968 where they lost to St Conleths.

Denis or Dinny, Maria’s brother, was a life long official with Mountrath and in 1970 he was chosen to referee the SHC final between Clonad and Clonaslee – he also took charge on the intermediate final in 1976.

No wonder then so much of the conversation was about hurling and then along came Fintan and John.

Fintan followed in his father’s footsteps where he was the winning captain in 1994 as Camross defeared Clonad.

Fintan won six SHC medals in total as well as a Leinster title while brother John won three seniors – with his son Finn showing promise at under age.

Maria never complained. Her pastime was crosswords and the “Spot the Ball” competition that was in the Sunday paper.

The test was to use your judgement as to where you thought the ball was in the picture of an action shot in football – More than once, the first prize headed to Garrafin.

Fint and Maria enjoyed good health and never missed Mass and there was great sadness when he passed away following a short illness.

Maria continued to enjoy good health and there was sadness again when her passing was announced on the third day of the New Year.

Reposal was at Burke’s Funeral home on Thursday January 5 and on Friday morning, the Funeral cavalcade travelled via Killenure and then through Garrafin.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Fergals Church Camross followed by internment in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery.

Maria was the last remaining member of the family of John and Mary Carroll and was pre-deceased by her brothers Mick, Johnny, Paddy, Billy, Dinny and Joe, sisters Nell and Sarah.

Maria will be sadly missed by her sons Fintan and John, grandchildren Finn and Sarah, daughter-in-law Helen, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, many friends and great neighbours.