New calendar remembers Limerick 'superwoman' Susan McCarthy

A PIONEEERING northside woman who passed away 12 months ago at the age of 100 has been remembered by one of her sons with a glossy calendar.

Susan McCarthy, known as Susie to friends, was well-known for running Owen’s Shop - named after her late husband - in Ballynanty.

But she is also remembered for co-founding the Limerick City Girls Pipe Band, and a camogie team for Ballynanty.

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Now, her second eldest son Tom, who continues to run the family’s general store in Ballygrennan Road, has brought out a calendar for 2026 to keep her memory alive.

Tom recalled how his mother, pictured below, helped raise money for teachers to help girls from across Limerick perfect their skills on the pipes and drums. They practiced in the Ballynanty Hall.

Susan also led the band on tours around the world, including notably to San Francisco, where she raised £10,000 to bring 60 people to the USA.

Susan’s efforts gave generations something positive to do in their spare time.

“In this day and age, children wouldn’t really know anything about this. But back then, when there were no phones, or laptops, or technology like that, children were looking for things to do,” explained Tom.

Patrick McCarthy, Tom’s older brother described his mother simply as “superwoman”.

Family friend Christy O’Donnell said Susan, who died on January 4, 2025, was “a woman ahead of her time”.

Tom is making copies of the calendar available free to anyone who knew Susan, from his shop - but a donation is appreciated to offset the printing cost.