Obituary: South Kilkenny woman remembered fondly in native Mullinavat

The family, relatives and friends of Mary Culleton, gathered in Saint Beacon’s Church and graveyard in Mullinavat to pay their final respects to Mary Culleton.

Mary was the wife of the late Peter Culleton, who passed away only a few weeks ago. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend to many people.

Mary was a resident of the village of Mullinavat, a place she held near and dear to her heart. It was in this area that she began life working in her family licensed trade business known as Walls of Mullinavat. Now known as the Rod Iron it was a place Mary worked in from mid teens, helping her late mother with all the daily affairs which one needed to run a local hostelry in a place where competition was very competitive.

Mary was young but eager and learned the business at an early age. She became well versed in honing her social skills by being on first name terms with all the customers who came through the doors. She was helped by the fact her mother and father’s families were steeped in the rural family history of South Kilkenny (this family history emanated from her parents’ Wall/Aylward alliance). Kind, generous, and supportive, Mary was the first child born to the late Owen and Bridget. 

Lovely remarks and comments were heard during a mass celebrated by Fr Liam Barron PP. The family contributed to all aspects of the ceremony. Her son James gave a moving and touching eulogy, dedicated to his mother, who many called Moll. She was their rock, there all the time as a wife, mother and grandmother.

She was also a great aunt and friend to many. The entire street of Mullinavat turned out for pay respect and says their last goodbye.

There was a reflection of Mary’s inimitable presence on Mullinavat’s Main Street through the years. Mary welcomed visitors, friends, house, applied to all. Many came to pay their respects and to sympathise with the family, who lost both parents in a short space of time. The respect in which Mary was held was captured by Julieanne Cantwell, who sang We Will Meet Again.

Mary passed away peacefully, surrounded by her heartbroken family, at Cork University Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Peter, her infant son Baby Paul and parents Owen and Biddy, she is sadly missed by her beloved children Colette, Michael, Carol, Paul, James and Mark; adored grandchildren Jamie, Niall, Ali, Emma and Conor; Carol’s partner Noel; Paul’s partner Claire; James’ partner Julianne and Jamie’s partner Peig; sisters Maggie, Catherine, Eily and Ellen; brothers Paddy and Sean; uncles; aunts; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins; neighbours and many friends.