Tributes paid to much-loved Coosan woman

Locals in Coosan and elsewhere are mourning the passing of Nuala McManus, a much-loved mother of two who died last week following a brief illness.

The Hillquarter resident passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore last Thursday, August 20.

The wife of well-known building contractor Liam McManus, Nuala (née Barclay) is survived by her daughters Linda (Neale) and Orla, her grandchildren, relatives, and many friends.

Those who knew her have been remembering her this week as a warm and sincere person who was renowned for her kindness to others.

Among those who have paid tribute to her in recent days is local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, a long-time friend of the McManus family.

"Nuala was an absolutely terrific person, a family woman, a mother and wife to Liam and the McManus family," 'Boxer' told the Westmeath Independent. "The McManus family goes back an awful long with me, particularly Liam and Nuala, and our hearts are with them.

"People can't believe that Nuala is gone. She is a huge loss both to the local community and, in particular, as a mother and a wife. Nuala has family connections to Sarsfield Square, St Francis Terrace, and right around the community, so our thoughts are with the whole family.

"The community will gather around them, and give them support, but it's a very sad time for everyone who knew Nuala," the OPW Minister added.

Nuala McManus was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary, brother Tommy, and sister Mary.

She is much-loved and greatly missed by her husband Liam, daughters Linda and Orla, grandchildren Conor and Emma, son in law Ian, brother Harry, sisters Ann, Lily, Angela, Joan, Phyllis and Martina, sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Her funeral Mass took place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan on Monday, followed by burial in Coosan cemetery.

May she rest in peace.