Kilkenny Obituary: Sr May Lynch, Convent of Mercy, Callan

It was a sad day when Sr May Lynch, endearingly referred to as Aunty May by members of her family, passed into the welcoming arms of her Creator on March 22.

Born in 1935, May immersed herself in farming. Without fear of contradiction, it could be said that May’s ingenuity and farming know-how were summarily as effective, and informed as her Dad, or her brother Bunny. And as often it was stated, ‘she was adept at driving the farm tractor, birthing calves, dosing animals’ according to Bunny many times.

In October 1970 May Lynch, assisted by her sister Nan, exited the family home through her own bedroom window. Why, one wondered, until her nephew Shane explained during his ‘few words’ about Aunty May that she needed to spare her family the anguish of her leaving and everything she lovingly held so dear and worshipped.

In 1973 she embraced her first Professional step, with her Final Profession taking place three years after in 1976. It was a proud day for herself, her Parents, siblings, and wider Family membership. It was an iconic occasion for the Mercy Community at St Brigid’s.

didn’t take but a short timeframe for the Attitenoe nun to get involved with the social needs of her fellow human beings. She embraced her calling with gusto. She was the only nun in the St Brigid’s Community in possession of a driving licence, a scenario that was more than advantageous as needs were served.

She attended Robert Gordon University in Edinburgh where she acquired a Distinction in Social Work. She also met another member of the St Brigid’s Community, Sr Loreto, who became a lifelong friend not only to Sr May but to the Lynch Family in particular. That friendship stood strong until the Creator called May home. Sr Loreto was with her friend every step of that journey.

After Edinburgh, Sr May invested her professional expertise in the Ossory Voluntary Services. Together with Sr Perpetua and Sr Cecelia she travelled the highways and byways in a red Metro, doling out help and encouragement. With Sisters Goretti, Assumpta, Marie Therese and Agatha, they supervised the considerable number of boarders resident in St Brigid’s at the time.

Many stories were exchanged by the numbers of former students at Sr May’s obsequies. The Tuck Shop got a mention, as did a misfortunate intruder, while many had their own version of incidents when supervisory protocols were fractured.

When the Boarders facility was eventually wound down in St Brigid’s, Sr May immersed herself in the management of the Mount Carmel Home for the elderly. Loved by patients and staff alike, Sr May did wonderful work in the Home.

In her ebbing days Sr May Lynch never failed to talk about her fellow nuns who helped her in her final weeks. She praised and lauded her friends, Sisters Loreto, Eileen, Kate, Ena, Maria and Hannah.
hearts and minds

Sr May Lynch will forever be in the minds and hearts of an enormous number of people. She will be missed by her sister Nan, her brother Bunny, her sister-in-law, Helen, her great friend Kathleen of the past 20 years who unfortunately could not be with her on her final day as she was abroad; her nephews, her nieces, especially her Callan Sisters and those of the Southern Province.
Nior beidh a leitheid aris ann, gan dabht.
- BH