The Kilcummin branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann has paid tribute to Margaret O’Connor, one of its longest serving members, who died this week.

By Sean Moriarty

Margaret, who was late of Kilbrean and Tournanough, was a member of the Kilcummin branch since the 1990s.
She passed away on Sunday last, August 9.

A talented set dancer, she joined the senior set dancing group where, along with her fellow dancers, enjoyed great success at County, Munster and All-Ireland competitions.

While the competitions were taken seriously it was the social aspect of it that she enjoyed most and the craic and banter that the group enjoyed on their trips.

With Margaret’s young family growing up it was only a matter of time before they took up dancing and she was always very proud of their success.

It was a familiar sight to see Margaret and the girls heading off to dance in a competition with her husband Tom providing the transport for Kilcummin Comhaltas.

Her youngest daughter Marguerite also became involved in the administration of the branch and served as secretary for a number of years.

“Margaret will be sadly missed by all who knew her and fond memories of our exploits up and down the country and the trips to Manchester for the dancing competitions will be recalled in the months ahead,” said PRO Derek O’Leary.

“Kilcummin Comhaltas extend sincere sympathy to her husband Tom, daughters Karen, Tara, Marguerite and the extended O’Connor and Cronin families on their sad loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.”

She is survived by her husband Tom, her daughters Karen, Tara and Marguerite, sons-in-law Laurence, Graham and John, her grandchildren Ethan, Matthew, Eoin, Aoife and Tommy.
She is also missed by her sisters Sheila (Murphy) and Maryann (Tarrant), and brothers Michael, Connie and Jimmy.

She was predeceased by her grandchildren Rob and Róisín, and her brothers Johnny and Peter.