Passing of Anne Sweeney evokes sense of immense loss in Castlebar and Ballyheane

The death has taken place peacefully in the loving care of the staff of ‘Our Lady of Knock’ ward in the Galway Clinic of Anne Sweeney (née Byrne), Carrowclogher, Ballyheane, and late of McHale Road, Castlebar.

A much-loved and popular personality, news of her passing has evoked a huge sense of loss in the community at large.

The deceased grew up in Castlebar, a member of one of the town's best known and most respected families, and later played a role in the success of the Sweeney family business in Ballyheane for some years.

She is very deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband Richard and son Richard junior, brothers Seamus, Thomás, Liam, Sean, Padraig, Brendan and sister Ena (Tobin), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Many lovely tributes have been paid to her on the death notice website, RIP.ie.

One stated: "She was great fun and a talented basketball player in our schooldays."

Another said: "Anne was a wonderful colleague, for whom nothing was ever a problem, and a brilliant ‘just do it’ attitude."

Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club has also joined in extending sympathy to the bereaved Sweeney and Byrne families.

Removal from her residence takes place on Thursday morning at 11.30 a.m. for Funeral Mass in Ballyheane Church at 12 noon.

Anne will be laid to rest afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery.

Due to the HSE and government guidelines the funeral at all stages will be strictly private for family only. Anne’s Funeral Mass can be viewed on www.churchtv.ie/ballyheane.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.