Passing of retired Mayo paediatrician is deeply regretted

The death has taken place of Dr. Irene O’Kane (née Connolly), Maryland, Castlebar, and late of Bandon, Co. Cork.

She died peacefully at her residence yesterday.

News of her passing has evoked a sense of tremendous loss in the community where she was held in high regard.

A paediatrician by profession, Dr. O'Kane worked for many years in Canada and the United Kingdom before taking up an appointment at Mayo University Hospital where she specialised in the area of cystic fibrosis.

A kind and affable personality, she had a long association with Castlebar Tennis Club where a competition is held annually in honour of her late husband, David.

Predeceased by her husband David and her daughter Caroline, she is deeply regretted by her sons David, Roger, Coleman and William, brother John, grandchildren Serica, Aislinn, Ruadhán, Barra, Naoise and Faolán, daughters-in-law Anne-Marie, Ailish and Katrina, brother-in-law Philip, nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.

Remains will be reposing at her residence at Maryland, Castlebar, tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5 to 7 p.m., with removal on Wednesday morning at 10.45 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Irene will be laid to rest afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.