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31 Dec 2025
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31 Dec 2025
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Described as "a second mammy to many a young person who had the privilege of coming under her wing as an apprentice in the ESB", tributes are flooding in for Emer McGowan (née Whyte) of Creagh, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Summerhill, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, who passed away on Tuesday the 30th of December, 2025.
Predeceased by her loving parents William and Marion Whyte and her sister-in-law Margaret Whyte, Emer will be dearly missed by her devoted husband Michael, her loving children; Shane, Niamh, Bebhinn, Muireann and Caoimhe, their partners Claire, Shiel and David and her cherished grandchildren; Kaitlin, Cian, Sophie, Orán, Avery, Noah, Shae, Paige and Ayla.
A message of RIP.ie said: "We would like to thank Emer’s loving sister Carol, nieces and nephews, extended family and all of her amazing friends who have supported her throughout her brave battle over the past number of years. Our family will be forever grateful for your love and support."
Emer will repose in Grenham's Funeral Home, Ballinasloe (H53 HK15), on Wednesday, the 31st of December, from 5pm to 7pm. Emer's Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday at 12 noon in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Creagh, Ballinasloe (H53 EH93), after which she will be laid to rest in Creagh Cemetery.
Emer's Requiem Mass can be viewed via live stream by clicking here.
READ MORE: Dry but freezing weather ahead for New Year's Eve in Leitrim
House Strictly Private.
Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the St. Vincent's Foundation in recognition of the exceptional care of Professor McDermott and the diligent team within St. Vincent's Hospital, which may be done on Wednesday evening in the Funeral Home or by clicking here.
In celebration of Emer’s full and vibrant life, we invite those in attendance to wear something colourful in honour of her memory.
There was an abundance of heartfelt messages on RIP.ie with one person saying: "Emer was a most beautiful Lady full of colour and joy. I was Blessed to have had Emer as special friend in my life. Thinking of you all in Prayers. Eternal light Shine On You Emer."
Another poster said: "Emer was well loved and respected by her ESB colleagues throughout her working life.
Her commitment to her work and the respect she showed over the years to her workmates and her public was exemplary."
Another comment stated: "Emer has been such a huge presence in my life, always there with love & support through every celebration & commiseration that life brings. I will remember Emer for her morning ritual of the cup of tea in bed, the heart-felt chats she had at any hour, her generosity, her contagious hearty laugh & her strong religious faith. I watched in awe at how tenderly Michael, with all of your help, cared for Emer during her terrible illness. A life of love shared by so many."
A former colleague spoke of how they were "fortunate to have Emer as my apprentice Coordinator during my apprenticeship in the ESB. She was always very helpful and pleasant to deal with and was a great help along the 4 years of the apprenticeship."
A friend said that Emer was "a true and wonderful friend since our college days in Sligo. She was such a caring , loving person with a wonderful sense of humour who gave of her time unconditionally to everyone . It has been a privilege to have know her and I will miss her terribly."
Another comment said: "She was a brave and strong woman who defied all odds to cherish time with her loving family and friends. Emer leaves behind her greatest legacy: 5 children and 9 grandchildren. May she rest in peace."
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