Influential force in educational and religious life

One of the most influential forces in the educational and religious life of Mullingar over several decades, the late Carmel Hickey of Dominick Street, passed away peacefully on December 21, at Portiuncula Nursing Home, Multyfarnham.

Carmel taught for many years in Presentation School, Mullingar, and in 1991 she was appointed the first lay principal of the Senior school. Many of her past pupils and colleagues have paid tribute to her as a teacher and as a person of extraordinary faith and quiet determination.

“She was like the saint next door, very saintly, but ordinary,” is how Very Rev Brendan Corrigan, PP, Kilbeggan, described the late Miss Hickey. He is a native of Springfield, Mullingar, and first met Carmel in the late 1960s when he was 12 years old and joined the Legion of Mary.

Fr Corrigan recalled how he and the other teenagers in the Legion used to visit old people in their homes and in St Mary’s Hospital. “Carmel was a strong influence on the lot of us,” he remarked.

Fr Corrigan said Carmel was deeply involved in the Legion and travelled abroad several times, supporting the faith. She was also involved in the True Devotion to the Nation project that brought people from troubled parts of Northern Ireland here on two-week holidays.

He remarked that when she retired from teaching, Carmel went on to study theology in Dundalk. She was deeply involved in the Mullingar Parish Council and took on such tasks as opening and closing the Cathedral every day, and organising reader and Eucharistic minister rosters as well as other behind the scenes duties.

“Carmel was a lovely, kind and caring person who was committed to her faith and attended Mass every day. She took a great interest in all her past pupils,” Fr Corrigan remarked.

Very Rev Patrick Moore, PP, Castlepollard, said that at her funeral, he felt he should have been at Carmel’s canonisation.

He described her as an integrated person, holistic in every way. He spoke of her dedication to God and others, and the superb support she gave so generously to the parish. She was a superb mentor and school principal too, with a keen pastoral interest in the children, the parents and the staff, he added.

One of the tributes paid to Carmel said she was a towering presence in the educational and religious life of Mullingar Parish, shaping the lives of generations of Mullingar girls with dedication, faith and quiet strength. Carmel was a true Mullingar woman whose influence will long be felt in the parish she loved, the tribute read.

Others described her as a wonderful educator and an even better person, a strong woman who volunteered so much of her time to others and to the church, a true role model for girls.

One of Miss Hickey’s pupils in the late 1960s spoke of the profound, positive effect she had on the countless children she educated through her long career, creating a safe, secure environment in which students could thrive, and instilling them with confidence by being kind, fair, encouraging and patient.

Another past pupil, who went on to become a teacher, spoke of how Carmel Hickey mentored newly qualified teachers and imparted to them a wealth of knowledge and life experience.

One of her former colleagues described her as an inspirational principal who was deeply committed to her staff and pupils, always leading with kindness, fairness and vision.

The staff and management of both Presentation Junior and Senior schools remembered with gratitude and respect Miss Hickey’s leadership, exceptional guidance and kindness that touched so many lives and hearts.

Carmel was predeceased by her parents Patrick and Anne, her brothers George, Sean and Paddy, her sisters Treasa, Sr Genevieve, Alice, Sr Eucharia, Allocoque, and Aine. She will be deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by her family, brothers Peadar and Matt, sister-in-law Annette, many nieces, nephews and her friends.

Her removal was from Gilsenan’s Funeral Home, College Street, Mullingar to the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, for funeral Mass. Carmel was laid to rest in Walshestown Cemetery.