John Kiely leads tributes as funeral arrangements announced for Limerick's oldest citizen

LIMERICK senior hurling manager John Kiely has led the tributes following the passing of Limerick’s oldest citizen, Betty McElholm.

Ms McElholm (née O'Carroll) of Kilmallock died peacefully in the loving care of the staff and management of Maria Goretti Nursing Home, Kilmallock in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She was a remarkable 107 years of age.

“I was privileged to have been able to meet her in her home,” said John, who visited Betty twice in recent years- in both 2018 and 2023.

In front of a roaring fire in the living room at the back of the former shop she grew up in on Lord Edward Street in Kilmallock, the Galbally man enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat with the near-invincible pensioner. And when they weren’t holding their cup of tea, the pair had the Liam MacCarthy Cup in their hands. 

“She was an incredible woman who lived to see so much change during her long life.  Thankfully, she was blessed with great health and happiness. My sympathies to her family and may she rest in peace,” John added.

READ MORE: Betty, Limerick's oldest person, passes away aged 107

Betty was born on March 18, 1917 into a world where the Great War had led to millions of deaths and where the Spanish Flu was about to claim the lives of millions more.

She marked her 103rd birthday in near isolation due to another world-altering catastrophe, Covid-19. Thankfully, she would go on to celebrate another four birthdays in the company of family and dear friends.

“Betty, what a lady, always with a smile. Her sweet shop was the best ever. A great neighbour and will be sadly missed,” posted one neighbour on the RIP.ie website this Wednesday after Betty's funeral arrangements were announced.

“There will be a party in heaven tonight. She was some lady. God rest her gentle soul. Fond memories of her 100th birthday party,” penned a relative. 

Beloved wife of the late Sam (ex N.T.), Betty is deeply regretted by her loving nephews John Murphy (Kanturk), Liam Murphy (Bruree / Dublin), Aidan Lynch (Donegal), Liam Carroll (Westport, Co. Mayo) and nieces Bina Ahearne (Limerick), Betty O'Sullivan and Mary Sturridge (London), Nicola Carroll, Catherine Treacey, Margaret O'Grady, Betty Gannon (Westport, Co. Mayo); nieces-in-law, nephews-in-law, relatives and kind friends and neighbours, and many callers.

Betty will repose this Thursday evening, August 15, from 6.30pm at Daffy's Funeral Home, Kilmallock, followed by evening prayers at 7.30pm.

Removal to arrive Friday, for 3pm requiem Mass at Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Kilmallock, followed by burial afterwards to the local cemetery. 

Betty's requiem Mass will be live streamed.

May she rest in peace.