Fond memories of Mayo's Marion Hyland on her recent passing

The recent death of Marion Hyland, 12 Pine Grove, Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, evoked a great sense of loss and regret in the community.

Formerly of Keelogues, Ballyvary, she worked for nearly 50 years in the former Breege McCarthy’s Restaurant, Main Street, Castlebar.

A loyal and efficient worker, she contributed hugely behind the scenes to the success of the business during her time of service.

Her work in cooking, baking and food preparation areas was of the highest order and she had a tremendous rapport with her colleagues and regular customers.

Breege McCarthy's Restaurant was an institution in Castlebar and, to this day, people still talk about the meals they enjoyed in it and regret that it is no longer part of the local scene.

It was unique in so many ways and Marion was proud to have played her part.

When you met Marion on the street, she was invariably wearing her apron and carrying a tea-cloth but she always made time for a quick chat.

Many warm tributes have been paid to her on the death notices website, RIP.ie.

Journalist and broadcaster Michael Commins wrote: "She was such a central player in the life of McCarthy's Restaurant on Main Street, Castlebar, down through the years. Great memories of the wonderful times and the friendships I made with Breege and the Ruane family and lovely staff, especially during my years with The Connaught Telegraph.

"It was my second home in those times. For many of us it was the heartbeat of Castlebar and the 'auld stock' ethos. Marion was such a quiet and humble person, always smiling and in good form and never saying a wrong word about anyone.

"She was also very proud of her neighbours around Keelogues. Marion, your gentle presence and lovely nature resonated with more people that you ever realised and the sadness at your passing will be felt by many who had the privilege of knowing you."

Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Catherine (née Corley), Marion is sadly missed by her cousins Aoife Corley and Caroline O’Donnell (Westport) as well as Barry and Rachel O’Donohue and family and Ronan and Helena Ruane and family and her relatives, her neighbours and her many friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

Friends, former work colleagues and neighbours formed a guard of honour outside the former McCarthy's premises when her remains were removed from the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, after Requiem Mass to Keelogues Cemetery.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.