Sadness at death of Trim CCE figure, Joan Farrelly

Scurlogstown woman's funeral in Trim on Monday

The death yesterday of Joan Farrelly of Scurlogstown, Trim, is being mourned in cultural and musical circles in South Meath and beyond, and by everyone who knew her.

Wife of local veterinary surgeon and Scurlogstown Olympiad founder, Pat, Joan was chairperson of Trim branch of Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann for 13 years.

She had been in ill health for over a decade, but was intent on never letting it get the better of her as she continued to live her best life after a cancer diagnosis.

Trim CCE said it was with great sadness that Trim Branch of Comhaltas and the wider Comhaltas community learned this morning of the passing of Joan Farrelly.

"Joan was a lovely lady and very popular member of Trim Branch of Comhaltas who made a huge contribution to the growth of the branch in her role as Cathaoirleach for 13 years. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her husband Pat, daughters Niamh, Deirdre, Aoife and Clíona, her son Ciarán and her grandchildren, all active members of Trim branch of Comhaltas.

"Go raibh leaba aici i measc na Naomh agus go gcloise sí ceol binn na bhflaitheas."

Meath County Board, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Joan Farrelly. Joan was a tireless worker and a true friend to all of us in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Pat, daughters Niamh, Deirdre, Aoife, Clíona, son Ciarán, her grandchildren, extended family and fellow members in Trim Comhaltas. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal dílis."

Joan was also one of the main movers behind the Eigse na Mi Meath Bardic School which took place in Trim during Scurlogstown Olympiads, featuring music, poetry, song and dance, and usually celebrating a local poet such as FR Higgins or James Clarence Mangan, in venues such as St Mary's Abbey or St Patrick's Cathedral.

Formerly Joan Eivers of Collierstown, Ballymore, Co Westmeath, Joan died peacefully yesterday at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, surrounded by her family.

She had spent many years based out of the Navan hospital as a health inspector with the North Eastern Health Board, now the HSE.

Cúis mhór bhróin a bás dá fear céile Pat, dá hiníonacha Niamh, Deirdre, Aoife agus Clíona, dá mac Ciarán, dá deirfiúr Ann (Anglim), dá garchlann, cliamhaineacha, bancliamhain, nianna, neachtanna, gaolta agus cairde ar fad. Tá muid faoi chomaoin mhór acu siúd uilig a thug aire chomh cineálta dí.

She will be reposing at her home at Scurlogstown, on Sunday from 3pm to 7pm. Removal on Monday morning to St Patrick’s Church, Trim arriving for funeral Mass at 11am, which can be which can be viewed on https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-patricks-parish-trim.

Burial afterwards takes place in Kilmessan Cemetery, where the Farrelly family plot is. Please ensure that social distancing and Covid guidelines are followed.