In Memory

Sr. Eileen Carroll  R.I.P.

The Sisters of St. John of God at Sallyville House felt saddened and lonely on Thursday, 4th July 2019, when Sr. Eileen Carroll passed home peacefully to her God, after a short illness. Sr. Eileen was in her ninety-ninth year and had been actively involved in the life of the community up to ten days before her death.

Eileen was one of eight children born to Michael and Eileen Carroll of Barley Hill, Bohola, Co. Mayo. Her three brothers and four sisters predeceased her. She attended the local Primary School at Carragowan, after which she spent one year at a Vocational School in Athenry. She then attended the St. Louis Secondary School in Kiltimagh, and it was there, through her friendship with Kathleen Kissane, whose aunt was a Sr. of St. John of God, that she came to know the Sisters in Ballinamore.  She later joined the Congregation in Wexford on 7th September 1939.

Eileen was professed in 1942 and then commenced her Nursing Training, initially in the Co. Hospital, Wexford and then in the Mercy Hospital, Cork. She later trained in midwifery at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Through the ensuing years she ministered in various hospitals and nursing homes in Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Thomastown until officially retiring from nursing in 1985. She then ministered in the Irish College, Rome for three years, before returning to care for the elderly Sisters in Kilkenny Convent. Following that, she assumed the role of Sacristan in St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Kilkenny, while also assisting in the Altar Bread Department. She transferred to the community at Sallyville House, Wexford in November 2017.

Eileen was a committed and valued member of the St. John of God Congregation and maintained a keen interest in the life of the community until the very end. She grew up in a faith-filled home and often spoke of her parents’ absolute trust in God. She inherited that deep trust and felt grateful and privileged to have had a close relationship with God from her childhood years. It sustained her through many ups and downs during life. Eileen enjoyed people and always kept in close contact with family and friends. Her kindness, caring concern and good humour endeared her to all. She is survived by her St. John of God Sisters, her nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends, all of whom will miss her greatly.

Eileen’s Requiem Mass was celebrated in Sallyville House by Very Rev. Gabriel Kelly, Chaplain Cavan General Hospital. Concelebrants were Very Rev. Dan Carroll P.P. Danesfort, and Very Rev. Bernard Cushen P.P. Cloughbawn. Following prayers of commendation, Eileen was taken to her final resting place in Foulkstown cemetery, Kilkenny.

May her gentle soul rest in peace