RIP: Leitrim nun who was a loving and caring nurse remembered

The death has occurred, on January 17th 2026, of Sr. Catherine McMorrow, Convent of Mercy, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal and Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, at Brindley Manor Nursing Home, Convoy, Co. Donegal.

Sr. Catherine was the daughter of Patrick and Katie Mc Morrow, formerly of Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim.    In her youth, Sr. Catherine worked in the family business in Co. Leitrim, before entering the Mercy Order in Belturbet, Co. Cavan. 

Sr Catherine entered the Convent of Mercy, in June 1963, and took her final profession in February 1969 and she dedicated her life to the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy. 

Sr Catherine began her Nursing training in the Mater Hospital in Belfast and completed her Midwifery training in Drogheda.

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In 1971, Sr Catherine moved to Edinburgh to complete her Psychiatric training, and following this, Sr Catherine took up a Leadership role as Community Bursar in the Mercy Convent in Belturbet.

In 1976, Sr Catherine started her nursing career in Our Lady’s Hospital in Manorhamilton, where she worked for 10 years, to be followed by a brief hiatus as Community Leader in the Mercy Convent in Cootehill, Co. Cavan.  In 1987, Sr Catherine returned to her beloved nursing career in Our Lady’s Hospital in Manorhamilton, for a further 12 years.

Sr. Catherine was a loving and caring Nurse, qualities that were frequently noted and cherished by those who attended her funeral.  Sr Catherine had a strong and lasting connection with the residents of Manorhamilton, and this was marked by warmth from the families that she met throughout her nursing career.  In her free time, Sr Catherine’s greatest enrichment was her love of gardening, fondly earning her the nickname, Greenfingers.

In 1999, Sr Catherine went into active retirement, and spent the next 20 years in prayer and social ministry in the Manorhamilton area.In 2019, Sr Catherine, along with the other two cohabitants of residence in Manorhamilton, moved to St. Catherine’s Convent in Ballyshannon.  In her last years, she looked back with gratitude to God and the Mercy Order, for a life of peace, happiness and contentment.  

The funeral Mass for Sr. Catherine on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 was celebrated by Fr. Rodney Tanko CC, who was joined by concelebrants retired Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Fr. John Phair, Fr Keogan and Deacon Padraig Kelly.  Sr. Catherine was buried in St Clare’s cemetery, Manorhamilton.

Sr Catherine is survived by her brother-in-law Padraig McKeon, her many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and a wide circle of friends and the Sisters of Mercy, Northern Branch. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis