Sadness as Rose of Tralee’s grandmother passes away

There is sadness on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean this Easter at the passing of Eileen Wiley, known affectionately as Eily.

Mrs Wiley was the grandmother of the reigning Rose of Tralee, Róisín Wiley, who hails from both New York and Co Limerick.

Róisín represented New York in the 2023 Rose of Tralee competition. She memorably called to the care facility in Bruree, Co Limerick, after she received her crown to make Mrs Wiley the proudest grandmother in Ireland. 

Mrs Eileen Wiley passed away on Good Friday, March 29. She hailed from Kilmallock and passed away at Croom Hospital.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell has led tributes to the mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

“My deepest condolences to all the family, relations and friends. May Eily’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace,” said Mayor Mitchell on rip.ie

Minister of State Niall Collins expressed his deepest sympathies and Kilmallock-based councillor, Mike Donegan offered his sincere condolences.

One sympathiser describes Mrs Wiley as “the essence of kindness and gentleness”.

The Wiley family is well known in the business and GAA communities in New York and County Limerick. One of her sons, Eddie Wiley, is chairman of Club Limerick New York which has welcomed Liam MacCarthy and star hurlers Stateside, as well as doing a lot of fundraising for Limerick GAA.

Reposing this Easter Sunday evening, March 31, from 6pm at Daffy's Funeral Home, Kilmallock, followed by evening prayers at 7.30pm.

Removal to arrive on Monday for noon Requiem Mass at St Peter & Paul's Church, Kilmallock followed by burial afterwards to the local cemetery. Her funeral Mass will be live streamed here