Munster Express Online

It is with deep sadness that we record the unexpected death of Lilly Drohan, who passed away after a short illness on February 12th, aged 84.

Born in Wicklow, her life was her dearest mother Jane, her sister Maureen, and her brothers John and Joe, who loved the beautiful farm that was their home. Her fondest memories were of her home at Ballyconnell, time spent in Glenmalure with her cousins and the friends there who were dear to her until the end. Lilly lived in Dublin before moving to Waterford in 1947 to work for the Halley family, Killotteran. She worked there for ten years and the bond with the Halley family remained for the rest of her life. It was here that she met her husband Sonny, with whom she had seven children. They lived for a long time at 34 Georges Street, a house that was a home to everyone and famed for its tea and hospitality. The years there were extremely happy, with wonderful neighbours and friends. Lilly was a warm, gentle lady who had a tremendous sense of humour, and a smile and a welcome for everyone (no matter what the hour or the number of people at the door). She moved to The Glen shortly after Sonny died in 1988. She spent many wonderful years there until last Christmas, again with lovely neighbours, enjoying gatherings of family and friends on a regular basis. She had a wide variety of interests, including sports (especially horse racing), politics, music, and dancing. In her youth, she was a keen camogie player and cyclist, as well as taking part in drama.

Lilly’s faith meant everything to her; the cathedral was a huge part of her life and when she lived in Georges St, she went to mass on a daily basis. She was a member of the Lourdes choir for over 20 years and made almost 30 trips to Lourdes with her friend Kitty Carey RIP. She loved these trips with the Waterford group and made many friends over the years. Even in her later years, and despite several bouts of illness, Lilly enjoyed a great social life and went to as many shows and concerts as she could.

Lilly was devoted to her husband and children. She is survived by her sister Maureen in Naas; her children Michael, Jimmy, John, Jenny, Dermot, Mary, and Geraldine; her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sister-in-law, her 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her good friend Colette.

The esteem in which Lilly was held was reflected in the huge attendance at her removal and Requiem Mass, which was celebrated by her dear friend Fr Gerry Chestnutt on February 16th. She was wonderful mother and friend, and her passing leaves a void that will never be filled.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.