Kildare broadcaster Ray D'Arcy delivers deeply moving tribute to late mum

Kildare town native and RTE broadcaster Ray D'Arcy paid a deeply emotional funeral tribute to his mother who passed away.

Mary D'Arcy née Bonar, of Campion Crescent passed away peacefully in Naas Hospital on Friday July 18.

Mrs D'Arcy is pre deceased by her husband Ray (Snr) and is sadly missed by her loving children Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan, sons and daughters in law, her 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, sister Angela, brother Bill, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Her remains reposed at McWey's Funeral Home on Tuesday and the Funeral Mass took place at St. Brigid's Parish Church with burial afterwards in St. Conleth's cemetery.

Speaking at the funeral, Ray spoke of the family’s shock at her sudden passing.

Ray said his mother gave birth to nine children in 16 years and added: "A lot of children, but not a lot of money. It could have broken her, you know, and probably nearly did at times."

He continued: "Her ability to manage our household budget on a meagre income would put many a Minister for Finance to shame. We never wanted for anything."

Ray said that his mother flourished in later life as her children became independent of her.

She worked as a secretary in St Joseph's Academy Secondary School for over 20 years.

He explained: "I've been told by so many pupils and teachers over the years how she was the one who ran the school. And it wasn't just in the administrative side of it. She also helped out with the welfare of pupils and staff. Our mother was a calming presence everywhere she went.

"She was active all over the place. I don't know if she did it. She was a member of the community council. She was on school management boards. She was an integral part of the local history group. She led the choir here in St Bridget's Church for years."

Ray added that she never forgot a birthday of her nine children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. "The arrival in the post of  the package or card with her beautifully-niece handwriting was a constant in all our lives. As was her beautiful warm smile."

He recalled: "When you'd visit Mummy, she was usually seated at the kitchen table, just the corner of the kitchen table with her back to the hot press. She'd be looking out at her small but perfectly farm garden or she'd gone on her laptop or doing a crossword.

"And as she opened the back door, she'd look up at her and smile that smile. A smile that was full of mother's love. It was actually at that kitchen table that she interviewed Shane McGowan live on the radio. Mary D'Arcy, the pioneer, in conversation with the Pogue's lead singer, very much not a pioneer!"

The eulogy continued: "Our mother traveled out in later life. She loved a good sitcom, always a good musical as well. She loved the movies. And up until a couple of years ago, she went up to Dublin every Wednesday to meet Angela or Alison to go to the cinema. She was vibrant, very much young at heart. She had a beautiful energy.

"She was a lady. She was intelligent and insightful. She was a wonderful mother.

"And we were very lucky to have her. At the end, last Friday morning, Anne, my sister was with her. Anne rubbed Mammy's hand and told her that we all loved her.

"And I imagine if my mother could have talked on Friday morning, she would have said, 'I love you all too equally and unconditionally'. 

Ray added: "Our mother, Mary D'Arcy, was a truly amazing person."

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