Echoes of brave woman with gift of song captured on CD in aid of hospice

ECHOES of a brave dead woman who lost her long battle with cancer just over a month ago can be heard on a CD she recorded shortly before her death.

Mother-of-five Aileen O’Leary, 43, from Rathmore, recorded the CD of her singing some of her favourite songs earlier this year and it has now gone on sale.

Businesses in Rathmore have supported the production and all proceeds from the sale are going to the Kerry Hospice Foundation.

The CD, called Song Bird, is seen as an appropriate posthumous tribute to an inspiring woman, who had the gift of a fine, singing voice.

“We’re amazed, so far, at the response from the public and may have to produce a lot more copies to meet demand,” said Aileen’s sister, Breffney O’Brien.

Some of the songs recorded include Dingle Bay, Mary from Dungloe and Unconditional Love. Aileen is remembered as a devoted mother and a caring person, very much involved in community activities, as well as the local play school and GAA club in Rathmore.

Her husband Denis O’Leary thanked local businesses for their backing and said he was delighted all the money raised from the CD sales will be going to such a worthy cause. She is also survived by her children, Sean, Micheál, Donagh, Karen and David.