Beloved Waterford woman Allison Connors is laid to rest

Beloved Waterford mother, Allison Connors and her unborn baby boy, Michael Anthony, were laid to rest today, Saturday, September 16, in Ballybeg, Co. Waterford.

Hundreds of family, friends, and locals attended Saint Saviour’s Church, Ballybeg, to pay tribute to the young mother and her unborn son, who passed away on Sunday, September 10.

Colleagues of Allison, from The Range, held a guard of honour for their dear friend and co-worker.

Mourners heard moving eulogies from Allison’s friends, which began with the question: “What can you say about my best friend Allison?

“Whenever we were together she was my partner in crime. She was the most loyal person you could ever meet. She was a social butterfly and loved nothing more than to get glammed up for a night out. She always put everyone first and made sure they were okay without considering herself.” The eulogy paid tribute to Allison’s young daughters and her love and dedication to them: “She was the most amazing mother to the beautiful girls, Molly Mae and Ruby Anna. They wanted for nothing and she always gave them the best of everything.” The mourners heard how Allison will “now be a heavenly angel mammy” who will “always look out for us”.

In the glowing eulogy, the mourners were told: “To my best friend Allison, thank you for all the fun and good times we had. You were my rock and I am so lucky I was able to call you my friend. Until we meet again Allison, this is not goodbye, this is see you later for now and I love you always.” Friends spoke lovingly about the kind woman who enjoyed fashion, festivals, holidays and going out with friends. Though an admitted ‘girly-girl’ they also mentioned Allison being a ‘tomboy’ who liked helping out with horses, dogs and gardens, and someone often seen with a paintbrush in hand: “She was never shy to get stuck in.” They spoke about a beautiful mother who loved Sunday roasts with her family, and making sure that her girls had the best wardrobe, no matter the season or weather.

“That was the kind of Mammy she was, always wanted the best for her little girls.” Friends and family promised Allison to always be there for her daughters and to never let them forget her: “You’ll never be alone, we’ll all be here for you.” After the eulogies, the mourners listened to a few of Allison’s favourite songs, the lyrics of one, ‘I’ll Be There’, by Jess Glynne, being noted as a particular favourite with the line: “I swear, I got enough love for two/ You’ll never be alone, I’ll be there for you.” The regard in which Allison was held was perhaps summed up by one tribute that described the impact the loss of her and her unborn son has had on the Ballybeg community: “Thinking of you all at this unbelievably sad time. Such sorrows are felt around Ballybeg. We’re keeping Allison’s family and her beloved daughters in our prayers and may God keep you all safe and strong. RIP Allison and your precious baby boy.” The Requiem Mass proceeded with a reading from the Prophet Isiah, Letter of St John, Prayers of the Faithful and offertory procession highlighting some of Allison’s favourite things.

As the Mass came to an end, mourners listened to a stirring rendition of the song ‘In the Arms of an Angel’.

After the final communion, the remains of Allison and her son were carried out of the church to the strains of Dolly Parton’s, ‘Eagle When She Flies’, before their burial in nearby Kilbarry Cemetery nearby.

Allison is dearly missed by her beloved parents, Gerry and Diane, her daughters Molly Mae and Ruby Anna, her brother Larry, sisters Mary and Theresa, her partner Mick and his family, brothers-in-law Paddy and Jimboy, sister-in-law Star, aunties and uncles, extended family and friends.

“She’s a sparrow when she’s broken/ But she’s an eagle when she flies Oh, bless her, Lord/ She’s an eagle when she flies/” 

‘Eagle When She Flies’ – Dolly Parton