Grania was one of the first people I met when I moved to Stirling Place over 7 years ago. She was holding court in the Foragers, her other front room..and was full of life with a huge smile and raucous laugh.

Our common Irish connection became evident (she always hammed up the 'begorra's around me!) My best friend is married to a man from Dunmore East in Waterford where I believe she has family.

She adored dogs and we also had little white Jack Russells in common..she with Frigo and we with Skip! She often walked Skip for me when I was stuck..akways kind and generous with her time. He would wee with excitement any time he saw her (is that too much information?!) and would race to see her if he spotted her down the street.

Most.of all I will miss Grania's presence around our community..she was just always there, down on the corner..tinkering around at the boot of her car..in and out of the shop..messing around with Christmas trees..back and forth to her house, the pub, the shop, the car, chatting to everyone..with her wide eyes and expressive face and huge smile. As I walk our little streets I still expect to see her there..and it makes me sad all over again when I remember she is gone now. She was very much a part of us all and our street.

Slàn abhaile dear friend xx

Catherine Kelly x

ps.

I'm copying in 2 things here..

1 is Sinead O Connor singing The Parting Glass..a farewell lament..common in Ireland..raising a toast as you say goodbye..poignant and sad but somehow apt.

The other is just a piece explaining who Graniauaile was..I lived in Clew Bay In Co.Mayo for 7 years and she was known as The Pirate Queen! A fierce female warrior with command of the seas and her clan..Grania's love of the sea and her wild spirit just always reminded me of her and I would.often called her Graniauaile. Our own Pirate Queen xx

Watch "Sinéad O'Connor- 'The parting glass' with lyrics" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/0KTQYMm3GCM

Graniauaile- The Pirate Queen!
 http://ireland-calling.com/granuaile-grace-omalley/