RIP: Leitrim community shocked after passing of 'excellent and much-respected teacher'

Messages of love and support are streaming in after the death Mary Earley (Née Griffith), Drumlummon, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, formerly Ballygowan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo on 23rd March 2026 (suddenly) at Beaumont Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Mary is pre-deceased by her parents Martin (Bertie) and Nora (Norrie) and will be sadly missed by her loving family- her husband Patrick, daughter Niamh (Dublin), son James (Keshcarrigan), son-in-law William Collier, daughter-in-law Lisa McWeeney, adored grandchildren Clodagh, Darragh, Cóilín, Faolán, sister Catherine Griffith (Dublin), brothers John (Waterford) and Martin (Claremorris), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

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Removal at St. Mary’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday 26th March arriving at 6 o’ clock and her funeral mass will take place on Friday 27th March at 12 o’clock in St. Mary’s Church followed by private cremation.

Funeral Mass will be streamed live on the link below Mary's Funeral Mass.

There were many messages of condolence on the Mary's sudden passing with one person writing: "Pat, Niamh, James, extended Earley and Griffith families, we are shocked and saddened to learn of Mary's sudden passing. Mary was an absolute lady, always so friendly when out and about around town, as well as being an excellent and much-respected teacher."

Another comment said: "I was so sad to hear the news of Mary's passing. I bumped into her in recent months and had a lovely chat with her. She was an exceptional teacher, always so kind and approachable and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. May her gentle soul rest in peace."

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Another penned: "I’m so sorry to hear of Mary’s sad passing. Mary was a teacher who taught with empathy and kindness she was such a lovely woman" with another saying, "Mrs Earley was my teacher at Carrick-on-Shannon Community School and helped me immensely in preparation for my exams, I will always be grateful for her time and support. She was a fantastic teacher and such a lovely person."

Other comments were: "I went back as a mature student to study Childcare and Special Needs at CCS some years ago. Mary was in charge of the course and made it so easy for us all to settle in to school life again. She was a rock of common sense...an absolute lady...as well as a great teacher."

"Mary was an exceptional teacher, colleague and just a genuinely gorgeous lady. She left a lovely legacy of kindness and will always be remembered with great fondness in CCS by her colleagues."

"I was sincerely sorry to hear of Mary’s sad passing. I fondly remember her teaching me in Carrick Vocational School. A gifted teacher and a lovely lady who was deeply committed to her students."