A FOND FAREWELL TO MITCHELSTOWNS FIRST LADY
It was with deep sadness and regret that we learned on Sunday, July 5 that Dr Margaret Finn had slipped away to her eternal rest with all the grace and dignity that was an example to all of us.
Her friends, and by this I mean not only her loving family, but the voluntary officers and members of all the committees that she founded in Mitchelstown, will greatly miss her.
She may not have been born in the town, but she planted her goodness in our soil and it has rooted to spread all her kindness and love to all who knew her, especially the elderly who were her biggest concern.
The work that she undertook entailed massive self sacrifice and commitment and one need only read her list of achievements to see what this woman gave to the community.
It also shows the hero worship that she received from those who had the privilege of working with her down through the years. Accolades she did not want, wishing at all times to remain private in all the projects she undertook.
In 1982, she was presented with a community award by television personality Gay Byrne when the local area awards were distributed.
Her citation on that night read as follows: ‘Dr Margaret was a founder member of Mitchelstown Geriatrics Association since its inception in 1965. She was elected honorary treasurer after a few years and, early in the 1970s, was elected chairwoman. Both these positions she still fills admirably and efficiently.
'The many phases of geriatric work she is very involved in includes club catering, laundry, hospital and home visitations, annual outing, Christmas party for clubs and hospitals in Fermoy etc. Her quiet strength and democratic method of dealing with problems has made her the bulwark of her association down through the year’s.
‘Her community interests are wide and varied. She is a founder member of the local branch of the Rehabilitation Institute for disabled persons and was its chairwoman for a period. She is also a founder member and a former president and secretary of the ICA guild.
'She is a founder member of the local festival committee, a trustee of the senior citizens housing project committee and is now a member of the Senior Citizens 500 Club. Dr Finn was a member and former captain of the ladies branch of Mitchelstown Golf Club.
‘Like an ‘ever-ready battery’, Dr Finn has always been at hand to give advice to young and old alike. She helps other clubs and organisations in fundraising and also extends her interests towards helping itinerants.
'All this community interest, coupled with her great dedication to the care and welfare of our beloved senior citizens and problem families, make her a very worthy recipient of tonight’s community award. Long may she be spared to continue her great works’.
The other associations with which Dr Margaret was involved include the Geriatric Nursing Association, COPE Foundation, the Red Cross, AOSTA (the Association of Services to the Elderly), the Alzheimers Association and Friends of Tearmann Ui Chaoimh (formerly the Senior Citizens’ Association) and in 1993 she was a Cork delegate for the foundation of the Irish Senior Citizens European Parliament.
Margaret was always there for those in need. Christmas hampers, coal and other items were distributed every Christmas under her compassionate instructions and she readily undertook to wash and clean homes and provide bedding and food for those less well off in our community. Decorum was Dr Margaret’s middle name and she was loved and respected by all who served with her.
On behalf of all the voluntary associations with which she was involved, our sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Delia Tobin
Published:
Thursday 15th July 7:27pm
