Poignant: Mare leans over cemetery wall at burial of its Limerick owner

THE SECRETARY of Cappamore Show has paid a moving tribute to a woman before her time - Margaret Gleeson - on behalf of the show committee.

Margaret was a Cappamore Show stalwart and the first woman to be an agricultural show chairperson, serving for a decade from 1984 to 1994.

John Hassett, show secretary, said the officers and committee members of Cappamore Show were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a long term member, officer and volunteer Margaret Gleeson (née Powell). Margaret passed away peacefully in Thorpes Nursing Home, Clarina, on June 23.

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The Murroe native became part of Cappamore life from her days working in Cappamore Creamery from 1967. John said she joined Cappamore Show in 1971 serving as the first female chairperson of a show in Ireland from 1984 to 1994.

“Margaret was initially proposed by the late Jackie Walsh. She was a member of the Irish Shows Association (ISA) board from 1987 to 1994. Margaret along with her late husband Pat were passionate about horses.

“In particular, Margaret and Pat were greatly involved in promoting the Irish draught breed. People will remember Margaret selling ISA catalogues at shows across the country. She was passionate about not only Cappamore Show but the ethos of the Irish shows tradition,” said John.

The Cappamore Show secretary said Margaret was beautiful.

“Beautiful in appearance, beautiful in character, beautiful to work with and just beautiful to be in the presence of. As well as other show members, Margaret was of great support to me when I unexpectedly took up the role as show secretary in 2022. I didn’t know how we could reignite a show after two years of absence as a result of Covid.

“One evening coming home from work I called in to Margaret. I'll only be 30 minutes I thought. Four hours later I left, I was after getting a crash course in Cappamore Show. After show events I would get a card or a note in the post from Margaret saying well done, keep doing what ye are doing. Gestures like that keep you going on days you feel you can do nothing right,” said John touchingly.

Margaret’s final resting place is in Dromkeen graveyard close to her home.

“On the day of her burial, Margaret’s mare was in the field between her home and the graveyard. She leaned over the wall as Margaret was led to her final place of rest. It was poignant but appropriate,” said John.

In her later years spent in care, Margaret was visited by many friends from Cappamore Show.

“But weekly three members maintained their commitment to a friendship with Margaret that went back a long way - Breda Deere, Marie Hayes and Una McNamara. They kept Margaret briefed on all that was progressing with the show.

“Thank you Margaret for your dedication, commitment, passion but more importantly your friendship and care of all whom crossed your path. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Predeceased by her loving husband Pat, Margaret is sadly missed by her sisters Sadie (Russell) and Brigid (Shaw), uncle Brendan Healy, aunt Theresa Boyle, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May she rest in peace.