Death announced of Clara's May Cowen

May Cowen, the mother of former Taoiseach, Brian, and current TD, Barry, died peacefully at her home in Clara earlier today (Thursday).

The mother of five was predeceased by her husband, former TD Ber Cowen, who died in 1984.

Her death notice has been published and it stated that she was "surrounded by her loving family" at the time of her passing at her home on River Street.

Mrs Cowen will be sadly missed by her loving sons Christy, Brian and Barry, sisters Patsy Nolan (USA) and Nuala Farley (USA), grandchildren Jane, Stephen, Sinead, Meadbh, Gemma, Lorcan, Eoin and Aoibhe, daughters in law Mary (Tullamore), Mary (Clara) and Ann (Clara), brother in law, sister in law, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

The Cowen family also expressed particular gratitude to "her very special friends Jennifer, Natasha, Carol and Eileen who lovingly cared for and nursed our mother over the last few years."

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, May will repose privately at her home before the funeral Mass takes place in St Brigid's Church, Clara, on Saturday at 12 noon.

Those who would have wished to attend the funeral Mass can watch it live on the St Brigid's Church YouTube channel, and people are also invited to stand outside the Church, along the route or at the Monastery Cemetery, Clara.

Family flowers only have been requested but donations can be made, if desired, to the dialysis unit at Tullamore hospital.

May she rest in peace.