Limerick businesswoman who saw Bulgaden Castle become a household name passes away

THE LATE Mary Kelly, of Bulgaden Castle, will be remembered as a hard-working business woman, who was full of kindness and community spirit and who was always great company.

Mrs Kelly, aged in her mid-seventies, passed away this Tuesday morning following an illness which she bore bravely and with her customary positivity. She is deeply missed by loving husband Conal, their four children - Marie, Patrick, Conal jnr, and Kate - extended family, grandchildren and countless friends.

The couple purchased a pub outside Kilmallock in 1972 and turned it into a household name in County Limerick and further afield, Bulgaden Castle.

Indeed, you would be hard-pressed to find a person in south Limerick who hasn’t met Mary Kelly.

Many of a certain generation will recall her sitting at the door of the nightclub late on a Friday night handing out the tickets for the disco and exchanging smiles. Others will recall family parties and sporting celebrations held 'in Bulgaden'.

More will remember the kindness Mrs Kelly showed them at times of grief.

Fr Chris O’Donnell of Kilmallock spoke of the number of families she quietly helped.

“She reached out to countless families in their grief. She did not want any fuss, recognition or thanks - she was just very kind. It is no wonder Mary and the family are so popular, so many people have memories from celebrations in Bulgaden.

“She was there for them in the good and bad days but her kindness would be a constant.

“Mary Kelly would be looking out for them,” said Fr O’Donnell.

The Kilmallock-based priest said family and community is what Mary’s world revolved around.

Conal and Mary passed on their talents in the hospitality industry to their children - Patrick runs the popular Charlie Malone’s pub on Wolfe Tone Street in the city; Marie runs Houlihan’s bar in Kilmallock with husband and Limerick hurling great Mike Houlihan and their daughter Clodagh, while Conal jnr has developed their catering business far and wide. Kate, meanwhile, works in healthcare.

Mrs Kelly got great joy from watching her grandson Micheál Houlihan play starring roles for Kilmallock and Limerick senior hurling teams.

Fr O’Donnell said Mrs Kelly was “full of joy, great fun and one of the most positive people you could be around”.

Fr Michael O’Shea spoke of Mrs Kelly’s love of flowers and the pride she took in Bulgaden and Kilmallock churches being enhanced with floral arrangements.

“She had an unbelievable faith,” said Fr O’Shea.

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Minister of State Niall Collins, speaking from America, said Mrs Kelly was a much-loved and respected member of the business and wider community in south Limerick.

He described Conal and Mary as “pioneers in the hospitality industry” who have provided employment and “have a very loyal customer base because they gave a fantastic service”.

“Many have fond memories of social occasions over the years,” said Mr Collins.

Cllr Mike Donegan said a lot of people went to Bulgaden to meet Mrs Kelly and enjoy her company.

“She was a great supporter of the local community and groups. She was a wonderful lady, always very helpful, in good form and enjoyed chatting to the locals. That’s why she was so respected and appreciated by her customers,” said Cllr Donegan, who expressed his condolences to the Kelly family.

Cllr PJ Carey said she was “much loved”.

“The doors in Bulgaden were open to everyone. She was very generous to all of her neighbours and took great care of all of the elderly people in Bulgaden.

“She was a great community person, sponsoring local clubs and organisations,” said Cllr Carey.

Mary Kelly is deeply regretted by her loving husband Conal, daughters Marie (Houlihan) and Kate (O’Connor); sons Paddy and Conal and her extended family.

She will repose this Thursday (June 1) from 3pm at The Castle Lounge, Bulgaden, followed by evening prayers at 8pm.

Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Bulgaden with burial afterwards to the adjoining cemetery.

May she rest in peace.