Mary Moloney

REPUBLICANS are mourning the memory of Mary Moloney, a woman from Ballymun, Dublin, who not only aided IRA Volunteers but actually helped take the struggle to England herself, a story that might be fully told by historians at a later date. Many republicans from the Six Counties, Mayo, Meath and Dublin who were active in 1970s, 1980s and later years came to pay their respects to their very dear friend and comrade at her final farewell.
Mary, from Knowth Court, died suddenly at the age of 52 on 21 November, leaving behind a very young family as well as her grandchildren, sisters, brothers and their  families, and those of us in the wider republican family.
Her funeral at St Joseph’s Church, Poppintree, was attended by one of the largest gatherings of people since the sprawling estate of Ballymun was built. It was a testimony to Mary and how she was well-liked, respected and known within her community and as a republican.
Mary and her husband, Paul, brought a young family of seven into this world: three boys and four girls. Only five years ago, at the age of 47, Mary had to come to terms with being a young widow after the sudden illness and death of her husband, Paul. In five short years, she had lost Paul, her mother, Margaret, and her mother-in-law, Tess. But Mary got herself a wee job in The Towers bar and she soldiered on.
No matter where Mary went – her workplace, weddings or the Setanta Club – she joked, laughed and danced all night, always that big smile larger than life.
Her wee friends Dee, Ulick, Paddy, Lil, George, Big Tom and so many more, she made so proud, with a laugh and smile.
Onlookers asked why Mary’s coffin was draped in the Tricolour. The answer, quite simply, is that she earned it. She made the time and summoned up the energy to help the republican cause of a 32-county socialist republic. As we carried Mary to her final resting place, alongside her husband, Paul, we rededicated ourselves to that goal.
Mary’s young family  – Darren, Tracy, Paula, John, Cathy, David, Wee Becky and grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews – workmates and friends, have lost a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a mate and a friend. We, as a republican family and her friends, have lost a wee special woman who was prepared to fight alongside us and help bring about that new Ireland, that 32-county socialist republic.

BY Seán Gallagher