Politics and parish – Detty gave her all to Mullingar

Death has called, and taken with it one of Mullingar’s finest citizens, Detty Cornally, a woman whose life was dedicated to family, to service and to community. On those shoulders, many a burden was carried, and with her mighty spirit and energy and her unceasing willingness to give of herself, she lightened life’s load for many.

Detty (née Riggs), who was 82 years of age, died unexpectedly but peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Saturday, with her beloved family around her.

Detty Cornally did not just live in her community. She helped build it.

One of the stalwarts of the Mullingar Shamrocks executive team, Detty was for many years a Labour Party councillor in Westmeath and she was in latter years known for her tireless dedication to the North Westmeath Hospice movement.

Born in Gainstown, Detty was the youngest of eight siblings and was educated at Gainstown National School before attending secondary school at ‘The Tech’ in Mullingar. She worked locally with Oliver Brennan’s firm and, in 1967, married her beloved husband Rob Cornally, neither anticipating the life-altering challenge life was to throw their way – Rob’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1981 as the couple were in the throes of raising their young family of seven. It was an event that rocked the family but never dimmed their spirit. Detty cared for Rob until his passing in 2014, showing in those years the same unwavering loyalty and courage she brought to every part of her life.

Detty’s connection with Mullingar Shamrocks saw her devote decades to all aspects of the club, and in 1992, she was selected to lead that club as president, a role she carried out not in title alone, but as their day-to-day driver and motivator. Her ‘office’ was often the lobby of the Greville Arms Hotel, where she could be found organising, delegating, and planning. She was at the heart of the club, organising fundraisers, raffles, bingo, and the much-loved annual fashion show. She was also passionate about Scór – a trait she shared with her sister, the late Rose Longworth of Ballymore, and her energy ensured Scór became a cherished and celebrated part of the club’s identity.

Over the years, she also had involvement in other cultural events such as Feis Lár na hÉireann, feiseanna, and in the year 2000 Mullingar hosting the Leinster Fleadh. Detty was also involved for a spell with the Mullingar tennis and badminton club, and in the organisation of the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day parade. In addition, she was a member of the board of directors of Mullingar Arts Centre for many years.

The late Rob Cornally was involved with the Labour Party, and for a spell, served as a member of Mullingar Town Commissioners. Detty found herself attracted to the Labour Party also and in the 1990s became a member of Mullingar Town Council, and served three separate terms as chairperson of that body. In 2004 and again in 2009, she was elected to both the town council and Westmeath County Council.

She was proud to represent the Labour Party and believed deeply in public service and inclusion.

Detty was also a committed volunteer in healthcare and education, working tirelessly with the North Westmeath Hospice Movement and being active for a long time in the Multiple Sclerosis Society, organising fundraising events for them including a recent table quiz.

She sat on the boards of both the CBS Primary and Secondary School Councils and served two terms on Mullingar Parish Pastoral Council. A woman of deep faith, she also acted as a Eucharistic Minister at Mullingar Cathedral for a time. Another organisation which benefited from Detty's dedication was TEAM, (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Mullingar).

She deeply loved Irish music, even if she didn't play an instrument herself and also enjoyed dancing. A little known fact was that Dettie had a deep love for Christmas. Every year she adorned her home with a growing collection of ornaments and festive decorations, delighting in adding to the treasures she had amassed over the years.

She loved nothing better than hosting her family as often as possible for great get-togethers, especially around special occasions such as Christmas.

Detty will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her children - Mary Doolin, Mullingar, Dave Cornally, Mullingar, Robert Cornally, Mullingar, Louise Cornally, Dublin, William Cornally, Mullingar, Owen Cornally, Mullingar, and Alan Cornally, Mullingar, as well as by her son-in-law, Paul Doolin;lher daughters-in-law, Geraldine, Mary, Caroline and Brigid and Owen's partner, Tony, as well as by her twelve grandchildren Rebecca and Anna, Rachel and Nathan, Róisín and Stephen, Aoife and Orla, Andrea, Isabelle, Cian and Lochlainn; her sister Ita (UK), her brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, as well as her cousins, extended family, neighbours and her wide circle of friends.