Sadness as Rose of Tralee’s Limerick grandmother passes away

THERE is sadness on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean this Easter at the passing of Eileen Wiley, known affectionately as Eily.

Mrs Wiley, of Portauns, Kilmallock went to her God on Good Friday at Croom Hospital and more recently in the tender and loving care of all at Beech Lodge Care Facility, according to her death notice.

Mrs Wiley’s granddaughter, Róisín, is the reigning Rose of Tralee, representing New York. She memorably called to the care facility in Bruree after she received her crown to make Mrs Wiley the proudest grandmother in Ireland. 

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell has led tributes to the mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

“My deepest condolences to all the family, relations and friends. May Eily’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace,” said Mayor Mitchell on rip.ie

Minister of State Niall Collins expressed his deepest sympathies and Kilmallock-based councillor, Mike Donegan offered his sincere condolences.

One sympathiser describes Mrs Wiley as “the essence of kindness and gentleness”.

They recalled she loved going to dances with her late husband John during the Showband days and often performed a song in her beautiful singing voice.

The Wiley family is well known in the business and GAA communities in New York and County Limerick. One of her sons, Eddie Wiley, is chairman of Club Limerick New York which has welcomed Liam MacCarthy and star hurlers Stateside, as well as doing a lot of fundraising for Limerick GAA.

Earlier this month Club Limerick New York presented Limerick GAA with a cheque for $100,000 and Limerick Camogie with a check for $5,000 from a successful dinner dance in December.

Mr Wiley, on behalf of the family, wished to say a huge thank you to everybody that knew her and helped her in many walks of life.

"Thanks to the Beech Lodge staff in Bruree for taking such great care of her. She slipped away very peacefully which was lovely for her family and she can now rest in peace with all her friends that have gone before her," said Mr Wiley.

Mrs Wiley imbued her altruistic nature in her children as daughter, Meg Curran, has also fundraised, raising thousands of euros in the fight against cancer and for those living with the disease.

Read More: PICTURES: 'Longest coffee morning' in the world held in memory of Saoirse Ruane

Reposing this Easter Sunday evening, March 31, from 6pm at Daffy's Funeral Home, Kilmallock, followed by evening prayers at 7.30pm. Removal to arrive on Monday for noon Requiem Mass at St Peter & Paul's Church, Kilmallock followed by burial afterwards to the local cemetery.

Her funeral Mass will be live streamed here

Mrs Wiley’s passing is deeply regretted by her loving daughters Carmel (Moore), Gillian (Fitzgerald) and Meg (Curran), sons Eddie and Declan, sons-in-law Thomas Moore, John Fitzgerald and Paul Curran, daughters in law Majella (O'Reilly) and Linda (O'Brien), sister Kathy O'Brien (Kilfinane), brother Gerard Kelly (UK), grandchildren Nicola, John, Róisín, John, Megan, Kieran, Sarah, Jack and Scott, great grandchildren Harry and Mollie, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, kind neighbours and her many, many friends.

May she rest in peace.