Monaghan, Friday, November 25 1938

Esteemed Smithboro’ Lady
Death of Mrs. M. E. Donnellan.

With profound regret we announce the death of Mrs. Mary E. Donnellan, Aughnacloy, Smithboro’, which took place at the County Hospital, Monaghan, on Monday last.
     Mrs. Donnellan who had only reached the age of 49 years was widow of Mr. James Donnellan, who predeceased her some twelve years ago. She belonged to one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families in the district and her death has brought bereavement to a very wide circle of relatives and friends.
     She is survived by six sons and five daughters, and they and all the other relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of the general public.
     Mrs. Donnellan took ill in May last and was attended by Dr. Gabbin, Scotstown. An operation was necessary and she was removed to the County Hospital where it was successfully carried out by surgeon J. J. McCardle. She became quite well again and was able to look after her duties as usual. About a fortnight ago she again became ill and further treatment became necessary, but not-withstanding that everything possible was done for her by the medical and nursing staff she passed peacefully away fortified by the last rites of the Catholic Church, of which during life she had been an ardent and devout member. She was frequently attended by Rev. Fr. Tomany, C. C., Threemilehouse.
     Mrs. Donnellan, who was an extensive farmer, was an industrious woman, she was a kind and charitable neighbour in every respect. She was a good mother having reared a large family that do her credit and who are deeply grieved by her early death.
     On Monday evening the remains were removed from the County Hospital to her residence at Aughnacloy, and on Wednesday amid manifestations of widespread mourning the funeral took place to St. Mary’s Church, Threemilehouse. There was an enormous cortege representative of every creed and class. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Tomany, who also officiated at the graveside at Drumsnatt.
     A tombstone over the grave of one of the Donnellan family in the cemetery bears the date 1745.
     The enter mourners were:- Misses Mary Ellen, Kathleen, Lily, Bridget and Susan (daughters), Messrs. Patk., John, Jim, Edward, Francis and Hugh Donnellan (sons), Mr John Beggan, Roslea (father), Messrs. Patrick and Edward Beggan (brothers), Miss Sarah Beggan, Mrs. Susan McCarville and Miss Margaret Beggan (sisters), Mrs. Beggan, Aghagaw (aunt), Mrs. Kierans, Togan (sister-in-law), Patrick Kieran, M.C.C., Hugh McFarlane, Jim Hurson, Philip and Patrick Treanor (nephews), Mrs. Carroll, Belfast, Miss Lily J. Kierans, Dublin, Miss Anne Kierans, Togan, Mrs. Patk. McEntee, Drumguill (nieces), Joseph Beggan, Dublin, Mr. James Lynch, Kibb. Co. Fermanagh, Mr. Thomas Toal, Chairman, Monaghan Co. Council, Messrs. John, Charles and James Toal (cousins).

Note: The Mrs. Susan McCarville mentioned as sister is actually Mrs. Susan McConville (my Grannie). Mrs Beggan, Aghagaw is Bridget Beggan who married John Beggan of Knocknalear.