The award-winning Tralee Tidy Towns have led tributes following the passing of the organisation’s founder, Mary O’Brien.
The Cork woman, who made Tralee her home, died peacefully on Monday, September 14 at Tralee Community Nursing Unit.
The late Mrs O’Brien is said to have taken to her adoptive town ‘with vigour and enthusiasm’ with Tralee Tidy Towns extending their gratitude for her work.
A statement from the committee shared on Facebook said: ‘It is with great sadness that all of us at Tralee Tidy Towns heard of the passing of Mrs Mary O’Brien — founder of Tralee Tidy Towns and mother of our chairperson Brendan O’Brien.
‘Though a Cork woman, she took to her adopted town with vigour and enthusiasm. She has left an extraordinary legacy, and all in the Tralee Tidy Towns network are so grateful to her for setting up an organisation that has benefitted so many of us and of course Tralee Town, in so many ways.’
The organisation went on to extend condolences to Mrs O’Brien’s family on the loss of a ‘wonderful mother.’
‘We remember a lady who epitomized pride of place, who inspired others and all of us to do more for our beautiful town of Tralee,’ they said. ‘We will continue her work in honour of her outstanding contribution.’
Social media users took to the comments sharing their own tributes. One wrote: ‘RIP Mary. You have left some legacy after you. I still remember our first visit to the Helix and the joy when Tralee won GOLD.
‘Brendan is now flying the flag for Tralee Tidy Towns. You will never be forgotten.’
Another said: ‘Such sad news a wonderful woman and always time to chat, especially about Cork. RIP Mary.’
A third shared: ‘Deepest sympathy. We were all mad about Mary, what a lady, May she rest in peace.’
Mrs O’Brien is predeceased by her husband Jeremiah, and sons Donal and Paudie.
She is survived by her children Tomo, Tim, Dermot, Michael, Maureen, Brendan, Julie and Terry.
Her death notice said: ‘Sadly missed by her loving family, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.’
Mrs O’Brien will repose at Gleasure Funeral Home, Tralee on Thursday, September 17 from 6.30pm to 8pm, with funeral arriving at St John’s Church, Tralee on Friday at 11.30am.
Requiem mass takes place at 12 noon.
