In Memory

Sr. Liguori Byrne R.I.P.

Over the last month of Sr. Liguori’s life, her family and the Sisters and Staff at Sallyville House saw her lamp slowly quenching and her strong heart gradually losing power. When God finally called her home on June 8th, there were mixed feelings – sadness in losing someone, who had been a great companion on life’s journey but also gratitude that her struggle had ended and she had now met the Divine Physician, who was her inspiration and model throughout her long and dedicated life.

Born in Killane, Enniscorthy in May 1930, Liguori – Helen Byrne, was the only daughter of John Joseph and Margaret Byrne (nee Doyle). She grew up in the town of Enniscorthy, where, between home and school with the Loreto Sisters, she was nurtured in her faith. This faith led her to commit her life to God through the St. John of God Congregation. In May 1949 she entered the Congregation. Following Profession in December 1951, Liguori trained in the Royal Northern Hospital, London and ministered for short periods in Ely House, Wexford, Aut Even, Kilkenny, Courtenay Hill, Newry and the Haughton Hospital, New Ross. The she was transferred to Co. Hospital, Wexford, where she spent thirty-three years. For much of that time she was senior Theatre Sister. On her retirement from nursing in 1990, having completed a C.P.E. Course, she ministered in Pastoral Care in St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown, for the next twenty years. When she eventually retired from active ministry in 2010, she moved to the Convent on Newtown Road.

Liguori was a woman of deep faith and integrity, who brought heart and joy to her ministry. She enjoyed reading and listening to music. Always compassionate and kind, she had a solicitous care for everyone in a quiet, unassuming way. Throughout her life she kept in close contact with her brothers, their families and many friends and in recent years she enjoyed the visits of her nieces and nephews. Under their tuition, she mastered the ‘mysteries’ of I.T. and enjoyed many hours on her Tablet during Covid lockdowns!  Her peaceful presence and acceptance of whatever came her way, is what lingers in our memories now.

Liguori’s Requiem Mass was celebrated in Sallyville House by Very Rev. Dan Bollard P.P. Thomastown. Concelebrants were: Very Rev P. Cushen P.P. Ferns; Very Rev John O’Reilly A.P. Piercestown and Very Rev. Anthony O’Connell, Chaplain Sallyville House. Following Mass, Liguori was laid to rest in the Convent Cemetery.

Liguori was pre-deceased by her brothers Morgan and Jack. She is survived by her brother, Jim and by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, her St. John of God Sisters and many friends.

Go dtuga Dia leaba i measc na Naomh di.