Julie Jay: My mother-in-law was never happier than when indulging her grandkids' every whim

Her funeral in Carrick-on-Shannon was a testament to a life well lived

The festive atmosphere was a surreal backdrop to what was a very sad, but equally heartening, farewell to a bit of a local legend

Last week, we buried my mother-in-law, Mary. She had been in hospital for the previous few weeks, but we were all in shock when we heard the news that her health had taken a turn, and we were especially stunned to get the news that she had passed last Wednesday night. Her removal coincided with the turning-on of the Christmas lights in Kells, Co Meath, where she had lived for over 50 years. The festive atmosphere was a surreal backdrop to what was a very sad, but equally heartening, farewell to a bit of a local legend.

It was a huge turn-out, as people from far and wide came to say goodbye to Fred’s mom, with attendees travelling from Cavan, Roscommon, and even Bettystown. (One way to annoy any Meath native is to act surprised when they tell you that despite the rumours, they do have a coastline, and by coastline, they of course mean Bettystown, the Malibu of the east coast).