Tributes paid to Mayo woman who made lasting contribution to lives of others

Tributes have been paid to a Mayo woman who made a lasting contribution to the lives of others.

Edith Geraghty, of Gladree, Belmullet, had battled illness in recent years and died peacefully in the care of the staff of the Mayo Hospice.

Edith made an enormous contribution to the lives of so many people.

As well as being a board member and vice-chair of the national No Name Club, Edith was also involved with a number of groups including the Press Council of Ireland, Mayo County Childcare Committee, Mayo Traveller Support, Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar, served as a Peace Commissioner, and was recently appointed to the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles.

Edith became an independent member of the board of the Press Council in September 2020 and had become company secretary last year. The organisation paid tribute to her commitment and indomitable spirit.

Chairperson Rory Montgomery said that she had made a consistently strong contribution. 

“She was deeply committed to the Press Council’s mission and values and despite ill-health continued to engage actively in its work,” he said. “She was a dear friend and colleague to us and we shall all miss her very much."

The Press Ombudsperson, Susan McKay said: “Edith participated in meetings even when she was speaking from her hospital bed. She cared about the work of the Press Council and the rights of people with disabilities to participate in public life. She also cut quite a dash in her always elegant clothes, her hats and her lilac motorised wheelchair.” 

A founding member of Erris No Name Club, Edith also served on the board of directors of No Name Club nationally.

“Edith has left a lasting impact on No Name Club. Her dedication, generosity, and commitment to young people will be remembered with deep gratitude,” said the organisation.

The Linenhall Arts Centre also expressed its sadness at her passing.

“Edith was a remarkable presence to all who knew her and she has been at the heart of the Linenhall since she joined the board in 2021. Edith was formidable in the best possible way, endlessly passionate, and unwaveringly committed to the power of creativity and community. Her belief in what the arts can do was infectious, and her passion and energy has helped shape who we are today.

“Edith was also a tireless advocate for disability, access, and inclusion across our local community, always leading with intelligence, compassion, and action.

“Edith has always been described as a great friend: generous with her time, sharp with her insight, and full of life. We will miss her fierce advocacy, and her steady encouragement more than words can say.” 

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seán Carey, also paid tribute to Edith at the January meeting of the local authority.

"Edith was so involved locally with the youth and was a founding member of the No Name Club and a member of its national executive. She gave advice and confidence to so many young people and helped them along the way; and the amount of young people that turned out for her funeral was testament to that. 

"She was also a member of various other organisations and a coordinator with the Traveller Support Group. She did so much in her short life, a woman in her fifties taken away. 

"The whole community is at a loss on her passing, and I extend sympathy to all her family and friends.” 

Cllr Gerry Coyle added: “I worked very closely with Edith, she really transformed the lives of many young people and Belmullet is much worse off with her passing. She did an amazing job on a one-to-one basis with children who came out as adults after their time in the No Name Club.” 

Cllr Michael Loftus said he worked with Edith on the Joint Policing Committee and with the Traveller Support Group and always found her very helpful and caring for the community, while Cllr Jarlath Munnelly also paid tribute saying that she was also chairperson of the Mayo County Childcare Committee at the time of her passing.

A vote of sympathy was extended to Edith's family. Edith (nee O'Callaghan) was predeceased by her husband Seamus.