The people of the parish of Lackagh and beyond were saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Eileen O’Shea last week. Eileen was the wife of former Turloughmore dispensary doctor Tom O’Shea.
Eileen (nee Hughes) was a native of Hollymount, Co. Mayo, and on completion of secondary education went to train as a nurse in The Mater Misericordia Hospital in Dublin.
On qualifying Eileen secured a post in Crooksling Sanatorium in Brittas, Co. Dublin. where she met a young doctor, Kerry-born Tom O’Shea. They were married and lived for a couple of years in Galway where Tom worked in The Regional Hospital.
In 1960 Tom was appointed as Dispensary Doctor to Turloughmore which was the largest such are in the County of Galway extending from Annaghdown across the county to within a mile west of Athenry town.
Tom worked seven-days-a-week in those pre-‘Westdoc’ years covering his vast area. He described himself as ‘being on the road day and night’.
Tom and Eileen had five daughters, Róna, Muireann, Aisling, Sinéad, and Bláithin who all attended the local National School in Lackagh. Eileen and the girls saw themselves as un-paid receptionists as they often answered phone calls and knocks on the door during the day or night when Tom might be several miles away on house calls.
Tom and Eileen retired in October 1995 and later went to live in Carraig Mhór where they dwelt until ill-health brought them into the care of Mystical Rose Nursing Home in Knockdoe.
The passing of Eileen brought to mind the many kindnesses of the O’Shea family in the neighbourhood during their long service here.
Eileen’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. John O’Gorman P.P. concelebrating with former P.P. Fr. John D. Flannery, and neighbour Fr. John O’Brien. Following requiem Mass Eileen was buried in Lackagh Old Cemetery.
Ar lámh Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal.
