Maureen Elliott

Maureen was born to Mary and James O’Donnell in Craghey. She was the fourth of five children, Jimmy, Dinnie, Anthony and Hughie, and they all formed a loving, loyal, tight-knit group, growing up in their family home in Craghey, along with their beloved Granny Annie.

Every year, their cousin Annie would join their family, spending summers in Craghey. She and Marueen formed an inseparable bond, becoming as close as sisters, spending all their time together and getting into more than a little mischief. Together with the Kitts, there were always eventful goings on, and as the only girl, Maureen was never short of shirts to iron for the boys’ nights out.

Maureen’s working life brought her back to her best friend Annie, and they spent many happy hours working together in a petrol station in Glasgow. Further family ties took her to Manchester and then Newport, where she worked as a barmaid. Her brother Anthony would always meet her at the end of her shift in Newport, and they would go and get food together, something that Maureen always remember with joy and fondness. Following on from her time working away, she finished off working on the buses in Newport, and then Marueen returned home to Donegal.

Maureen had met what proved to be the love of her life, Paddy, at the dances at St Bridget’s Hall in Leitir. Paddy had opened Elliott’s bar in 1962, but he realised he was missing something. When he found her, he married her in 1969. Together they formed a special partnership both behind the bar and in each other’s lives. Maureen was also blessed with the Elliott’s side of the family and she formed a very strong bond with her great friend Teresa.

Maureen and Paddy were blessed with four fantastic children: Mary-Rose, Patrick, Daniel and Conor who they raised with great love and affection. As the children grew, they all helped and contributed to the running of the successful and vibrant family pub, which Maureen brought a special touch to. Maureen transmitted her love of music and her strong belief in family to help create a warm, welcoming and lively pub. Whether people came in rarely, or regularly, Maureen’s welcoming smile, her kind nature and her twinkling eyes, made everyone realise they were in a very special place.

No matter how busy the pub was, whether it be dances, live music, or the beloved traditional music sessions with the Gweebarra Ceili Band, Maureen always made sure that she made time for every single person. The tributes that have flooded in since Maureen passed are a testament to the special lady she was.

As Elliott’s bar has flourished over the years, so did Maureen’s family, with grandchildren Darragh, Maryanne, Hannah-Mae, Wee Paddy, Danny and Sonny, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom, adored Maureen. It made Maureen so happy to know that the younger generations continue to make connections that will last a lifetime, just as she did when she was growing up.

Maureen was one in a million, the love and affection she showed to her children as they grew, was reciprocated through the love and care they all showed to Maureen during her final months. She would have taken great comfort and pride in the fact that all of her children displayed such loyalty and unwavering kindness when Maureen needed them most.

A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie and friend, she was one of the best.

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Grave Location

New Cemetery,

Boyoughter,

Lettermacaward,

Co. Donegal

Ireland