The late Vera Maher - a tribute from Ballynacargy GAA Club

On a bright blue Friday morning, the community of Ballynacargy awoke to the news of the death of one of their most respected citizens, Vera Maher, who died in the place where she was born, lived and loved for more than 85 years on this earth. Her passing represents not only a huge loss to her immediate and extended family, but to the wider community, to which she was devoted and fiercely proud throughout her long life.

Her passing also represents the end of an era in so many ways. She was the last surviving member of the Penrose family - 12 siblings who were born in Ballysallagh, and six of her brothers formed the backbone of a sturdy Ballynacargy side in the late 40s, 50s and early 60s, which included a short stint playing for the famed Kilbixy Gaels, who came into being following a sanction imposed on the club at County Board level.

Vera was fiercely supportive and protective of her brothers, who could do no wrong in her eyes, something the referees did not totally concur with at various stages of the game. But her loyalty to Ballynacargy GAA was unwavering and unstinting in all circumstances.

She married her local sweetheart Thady, a neighbour a few doors up the terrace, just 63 years ago (27th June 1963) and reared her family of six, one girl and five boys, in Harbour Street, where they established a welcoming home. She was especially proud of her sons’ and indeed her grandsons’ achievements on the field of play with Ballynacargy and she had a razor-sharp memory and recall of the various matches – victories and defeats – with Ollie Gallagher’s videos of the finals reached having pride of place in her collection, reinforcing her memories.

Along with Von Kerrigan, Sarah Troy, Tessie Slevin, her sister Florrie and other women who were part of a committee, she played an important role in the development of Moynihan Park in the early 60s. Indeed, along with her late sisters Florrie and Lena, they employed some rudimentary camera work to capture the various tasks of arduous, back-breaking work such as stone picking, drainage, etc., for posterity and the capturing of history, which to this day still exists as a reminder of that important and fundamental work of providing a superb playing pitch.

Vera, who was affectionately referred to as Auntie V, loved baking and cooking, and had a special “grá” for the fundraising American Tea Parties, helping to make them a financial success. Even whilst recently ill, she ensured that a full book of lotto tickets were purchased – her last day out, on Saturday 13th June at the Community Day event in Moynihan Park, she was with Johnnie (Sullivan) and Johnnie (Woollie Eye) selling some lottery tickets to visiting patrons, and a photo exists to prove same.

Vera was straight-talking and to the point, and if she disagreed with your viewpoint, you quickly realised that her position was firmly held. The esteem in which she was held in Ballynacargy GAA circles was clearly demonstrated at the last AGM, where she was unanimously elected to one of the club’s Life President positions, something she was greatly surprised to receive but was thrilled to be acknowledged for her role in the club over so many years.

She had a great love of music and was delighted when her son Gordon, of GM Entertainments fame, got deeply involved in music shows and other promotions, but even all of his success was trumped for her when, over the past two years, he became the chief sponsor of the local football team. Everything was coming round full circle.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are excellent musicians and dancers, and have achieved significant success in Scór, and especially in set dancing competitions at the Fleadh, enjoying great victories at provincial and national level in these disciplines. It is ironic that on the date of her death, more success in these competitions has been achieved in the Leinster Fleadh in Portlaoise.

To her grieving family, Lena, Sean, Enda, Liam, Gordon, Niall, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends, we extend our deepest sympathies. She is now reunited with her late husband Thady, her parents, brothers and sisters.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.