RIP: 'One of a kind' Irish pub landlady sadly dies in hospital

Helen, who was formerly Conneely from Cloonfad, and her husband Malachy ran The Country Club (Forde’s Pub) in Hollybrook for many years before relocating to Lower Salthill, Galway, about seven years ago.

Helen, who was in her late 70s, was blessed with a vibrant and embracing personality and it was always a pleasure to meet her and enjoy the radiance she brought to so many occasions. She was a prominent member of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland and served as a leading officer with the regional Federation for many years.

So many lovely and warm tributes have been paid to Helen in the aftermath of the news of her passing in Galway.

Marty and Marie O’Hora, Bohola and Kiltimagh, expressing their condolences to the Forde family, said they had very fond memories of Helen at VFI meetings and functions over the years. “She was a lovely, funny and chatty lady and it was a pleasure to be in her company. She was always in the best of humour and she made us feel so much better having met her.”

Christine Hughes from Carnacon recalled Hel’s early years in the nursing profession. “I have fond memories of her as she worked as a nurse in Merlin Park Hospital and she was so kind to us Student Nurses during our training years there, always looking out for each and every one of us alike.”

Well-known South Mayo GAA official and retired principal of Lehinch NS, Ger McHugh, said Helen and Malachy hosted hundreds of functions in “The Country Club” over the years by local organisations, sports clubs, political parties, birthday parties and special occasions.

“Helen’s exuberant and vibrant personality contributed greatly to all occasions. The place was unique and Helen was game for any event. It made not a blind bit of difference to her whether it was a Fianna Fail or Fine Gael gathering, a novelty event like who could eat the most steak, the vintage days, music nights, quiz nights, sporting events, Helen just loved people. Forde’s was at the heart of the community life of Carramore and Taugheen down through the years”, said Ger McHugh.

Eddie and Teresa Birmingham from her home area of Cloonfad commented: “We’d meet the odd time in Claremorris over the years and it was always great to have the chat. She was so proud of her family and, of course, we would end up reminiscing about Cloonfad. She was always so full of energy and had a wonderful smile and friendliness to go with it.”

Richard Carney, Claremorris, and retired member of the teaching staff at St Colman’s College, said: “I have very fond memories of Helen from my time singing in Taugheen. She always encouraged my singing and persuaded me to make my first CD. A lady who would always lift your spirits anytime we met. She was so proud of her family.”

Former Mayo TD and MEP, Jim Higgins from Ballyhaunis, reflected: “Helen had such an exuberant personality. She was so outgoing, so friendly, and so popular with a lovely personality.”

Well-known Westport photographer, Frank Dolan, who covered numerous events at Forde’s Country Club down through the years, said he was so sad to hear of the passing of Helen. “She was such a lovely person and so helpful on the vintage days at Hollybrook. It was a privilege to cover so many events at The Country Club over the years.”

Mary Coleman from nearby Carradoyne House said Helen had an outstanding and exuberant personality. “Helen was overflowing with lively energy. She could and did bring great life back to people’s lives, even back to some boring people. Helen attended many meetings down through the years from vintage shows to equestrian, VFI, and many more.

“She would bounce into those meetings and had a spring in her step, always looking so stylish and elegant on entering any room, always having her best foot forward.

“Helen along with her husband Malachy ran a very successful business at The Country Club where Helen made every person who entered that venue feel seen and valued with a warm welcome. She was a wonderful host and a great listener. Every glass raised at The Country Club will forever carry a great and wonderful memory of the beautiful Helen Forde.”

Local man, Michéal Costello, said was a great woman for a party. “She even held an Ann Summers Party there some years ago and I was waiting outside, doing taxi late one night and the Guards pulled up. They asked 'what’s going on here?' When I said it was an Ann Summers party, they said ‘we have heard it all now!” and left!

Reposing was at the O'Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway, and the Requiem Mass for Helen was celebrated in the Church of Christ the King, Salthill, and followed by a private cremation.

Helen will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her husband Malachy, her daughter Karen and son Andrew, her six grandchildren, Bodhi, Indie, Levi, Saoirse, Donnacha and Laoise, the family circle, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

“So fill to me the parting glass. Good night and joy be with you all.”