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EMYVALE

    The sudden passing of Colette O’Brien, Derrygasson, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan, on Tuesday, September 23rd 2008 resulted in widespread sadness in the North Monaghan area and much further afield. Although in failing health for some time the suddenness of her death was a shock for her family and wide circle of friends.

    Colette, in her 76th year, was wife of the late Anthony O’Brien, Derrygasson, who pre-deceased her in 1986. She was daughter of the late Peter and Rose McMeel, Killybrone, Emyvale. Peter was a farmer and Rose a teacher in the local primary school and they also provided the Post Office services to the area. Colette was sister to Tom, R.I.P., Paddy and Joe and foster-brother, Vincent McArdle, R.I.P. She worked for some time in England after her schooling and then returned to work in the Post Office, which was attached to her home house. She married Anthony O’Brien in 1962 and they have three sons – Eugene, Val and Enda. Anthony will be remembered as a very popular local farmer and milk supplier to the north Monaghan area.

    Colette became a full-time wife and mother after her marriage, assisting with all the usual work involved in running a milk farm and dairy business. However she still made time to play an active role in community affairs. She was a committed member of the Donagh Mission Awareness Committee and assisted in raising both the awareness and funding for Missionary work, especially that being carried out by priests, brothers and nuns from around Monaghan. She was also a member of the Emyvale Community Council, with responsibility for the running of the Emyvale Leisure Centre, and made a huge contribution to the affairs of that organisation. She constantly supported, in every way possible, all of the other organisations and associations in the area, who were working for the betterment and benefit of people. She was also a steadfast Fianna Fail supporter and a lifetime member of the local Cumann, where she held office for many years. Her main purpose here was to highlight problems and to attract assistance and advantage to individuals and areas in North Monaghan, and in this work she achieved much but in a quiet and unassuming manner.

    Colette endeared herself to everyone with whom she came in contact and those were legion. She was one of the reducing numbers who continued the old Irish tradition of Ceiliing. She loved dropping in on neighbours for a chat and a sharing of news and views and she was always a welcome visitor in any house around.                                                                                    Continued .......

The late Colette O’Brien R.I.P.