Catherine O'Leary (Riordan) : Short Biography

Catherine Riordan was born in 1877, the second oldest of 9 children born to JAMES RIORDAN and MARY NEILL of Ballynahown, The Glen, Kerry.She grew up next to three O Neill families  all first cousins. She married her near neighbour Pats Leary  in Feb. 1896 and came to Ballynabloun.

Between 1896 and 1920 she became mother of 12 children, 3 daughters and 9 sons. She was helped with the rearing of the children by her mother-in-law Maire Eamonn.

In 1925 her husband died after a short illness and she was widowed at 48 years. Her eldest son Thomas  took over the running of the farm. Catherine was a nice easy going lady always focused on the task in hand. She loved her many grandchildren and they adored her.

She died on Feb 9th 1961 at the age of 83. She was buried in Keel Cemetery St. Finan's Bay with her husband Pat and son Tadhg.

Chronicle published courtesy of Pat O'Leary.