The funeral of Ellen Clifford - the mother of Kerry football stars David and Paudie Clifford - has heard how her family “miss her so much when it comes to football but it is at the centre of our family she will be missed most.”
Ellen, who comes from a strong GAA family in Ballymacelligott, and lived in Two Mile School in Killarney with her family, had been battling an illness for some time and passed away peacefully last Saturday.
Chief celebrant Fr Tom Mooney told mourners, including Ellen’s husband Dermot sons Paudie and David, daughter Shelly, dad Pat, her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews and grandson Oigi and many relatives and friends at the Requiem Mass held in the Prince of Peace Church in Fossa, that “family was everything to her.”
Read More: Tributes pour in after Kerry star David Clifford's mother passes away
A staunch Kerry GAA supporter, the late Ellen - who had just turned 60 in March - was one of the earliest members of Kerry Supporters Club, travelling throughout the country long before her own sons began playing for Kerry.
Ellen was the third of 11 children who had a very happy childhood, her eldest son and Kerry footballer Paudie told mourners.
“It probably explained her pet hate when we didn’t finish food because obviously being in a family of 11 there wasn’t much food left over then,” he told mourners.
He said Ellen worked for the Department of Justice for 30 years and she often worked overtime until 9pm which he said “speaks volumes of her work ethics.”
Paudie said Ellen was “typical of so many GAA mam’s around the country.” “She was in the background but her role was so crucial,” he said.
“With all the happy days we’ve had and obviously the bad days, a few cards and things like that, she’d always been there and it was never our fault,” he quipped, adding that before they would go to play a match she’d always say “No fighting and stay on the field.”
“We have so many great memories of her going to games and she had passion and commitment for GAA.”
He said Ellen liked nothing better than visiting her dad and her family - even up to her final days. “She absolutely loved all her brothers and sisters and she had a special bond with her dad Pat and her brother Pat.
She also adored her own mam and they are going to have a lovely meeting in heaven,” he said, adding Ellen also adored her 19 nieces and nephews and her grandson Oigi.
Finishing his speech, Paudie said he cannot imagine playing for Fossa without his mam watching. “She went to every single game,” he said emotionally.
“We will miss her so much when it comes to football of course but it is at the centre of our family she will be missed most.
“She would do anything for dad and the three of us, probably too much. As well as being our mam she was also a great friend,” he said.
Among the presentation of symbols to represent Ellen’s life included a Kerry jersey, a Ballymacelligott and a Fossa jersey, to show her love for GAA which was a huge part of her life, and a presentation which Ellen received from the Blood Bank in recognition of 100 blood donations reflecting her kindness and generosity of the spirit of Ellen in always thinking of the needs of others.
There was also Holy water to represent her strong faith which she drew from so often during her life in good and not so good times, and two family photos of the Ellen’s O’Shea family and her own family.
Before the funeral Mass ended, Ellen’s husband Dermot told mourners that it “is the saddest day of our lives.”
“Ellen was 60 a couple of weeks ago, she had 60 savage years,” Dermot said and thanked the Kerry team and manager Jack O’Connor for the way they were treated at the match on Sunday when both David and Paudie lined out for Kerry in the Munster Final victory over Clare.
“We are just so proud (of Paudie and David). It was their own decision to play and the way ye played was the greatest tribute to your mother lads,” said Dermot, adding that Shelly "is an extraordinary sister and daughter."
Following the Requiem Mass, Ellen was laid to rest in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
READ NEXT:
Viewers share thoughts on 'shocking' claims in Annie McCarrick documentary
Mayo legend calls for GAAGO to be sent to sidelines following weekend backlash
One day could bring potential BBQ weather in otherwise miserable weekly forecast
Prison officer stabbed by convicted murderer Graham McEvoy in attempted escape
