MARGARET Corrigan, Drumleck, Castlebellingham who died on February 3rd after a comparatively short illness was a native of Ardpatrick, Louth.

Aged 56, Margaret was one of a family of eight of Joe and Margaret Finnegan.

She worked for a number of years in AET in Dunleer before her marriage in 1975 to husband, Pat.

Margaret devoted her life thereafter to her family and outside of the home she was very highly regarded for the manner in which she kept her garden. Indeed the manner in which she cultivated plants and flowers and designed her garden made it a focus of much favourable comment in the area and from passers-by.

Her other passion in life was country music and dancing. She adored the music of Patrick Feeney, the noted Irish singer, and was a regular attender at his concerts, the last just a month before her death. She got to know the Sligo based singer so well that he visited Margaret on a number of occasions in her home and gladly accepted the family's invitation to sing at her Requiem Mass.

With her husband, Pat, Margaret visited country music festivals all over the country, for they loved the dancing and the music. They also frequented dances in various locations locally, especially Castleblayney, Inniskeen and Kilkerley.

Margaret's death after a short illness borne with great fortitude had left her family heartbroken for she was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother and a kind and generous neighbour. They are however consoled by their many happy memories of their time together and the manner in which she enjoyed her music and gardening.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Pat who is a native of Drumleck, sons, Kenneth (Drumcashel, Castlebellingham), Raymond (Seattle, USA), Damien, Newtowndarver) and Trevor (Drumleck), daughter, Sharon (Phibsboro, Dublin), brothers, Jemie (Ardpatrick), Benny (Knockbridge), and Kevin (Dromiskin), sisters, Mary Kirby ( Tallanstown) and Rose Malone ( Tallanstown), granddaughter, Grace Claire, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Paddy (Carlingford) and sister, Eileen Gray (Ardpatrick).

Having reposed at her home, Margaret's remains were taken to St Fursey's Church, Haggardstown at her own wish for she was a regular attender at Mass there and loved the Church. The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. O. Brennan, PP and also in attendance was Very Rev P McEnroe, PP, Dromiskin.

The readings were given by son, Kenneth and daughter, Sharon and the Prayers of Intercession were led by daughter-in-law, Fionnula, Tara and Donna Corrigan and by family friend, Kathleen Malone. The Offertory Gifts and gifts that symbolised Margaret's life were presented by friends, Anne Maguire, Patricia Fagan and Charlotte Finnegan, sister, Mary and son, Trevor.

The music was provided Pat Feeney and by soloist, Carmel Hamilton and Mary McCague was the organist.

After Mass burial took place in Dromiskin cemetery where there was a very large attendance, reflecting the sadness felt for the family at Margaret's premature death and high regard by which she was held in the community.

The Month's Mind Mass will be held on March 4th in St Fursey's Church, Haggardstown at 7.30pm.