LETTERKENNY woman Martina Connors was remembered as a woman who brought light to even the darkest of places at her requiem Mass.

Ms Connors, of 3 Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny passed away peacefully in Letterkenny University Hospital on Thursday, June 26.

Huge crowds turned out yesterday for Ms Connors’ requiem Mass which took place in St Eunan’s Cathedral. Her coffin was carried in a horse-drawn carriage.

Addressing the congregation, Chief Celebrant Fr Anthony Hartnett said the Letterkenny native lived a long life full of faith.

“Martina loved her children and her children’s children,” he said.

“She was a very ordinary woman; she never went too far without having cigarettes handy.

“In fact, I am told she wouldn’t be willing to do much unless there a fag nearby.

“The fact all of you gathered here today is a testament to her life as a mother, as a wife and as a grandmother, a mother to not just her children, her children’s children, but even the wider community.”

Fr Hartnett said Ms Connors brought light to even the darkest of places.

“Martina was a child of God, made to be a bright star, somebody who brings light to places that are dark,” he said.

“Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet one of Martina’s grandchildren, Rihanna.

“It makes me think of that song by Rihanna that came out maybe 15 years ago, ‘Shine bright like a Diamond’.

“All of us are made to shine bright by the way that we show love and respect to one another, to make up for mistakes made and to forgive.

“Just as the light of a star or a diamond come from the sun, Matina’s light comes from Jesus who is with God in heaven.

“Let us all pray that Martina may continue to shine like a bright star, that she may let God’s light into her soul completely in heaven so that from that place she may shine upon us all.”

After Mass, burial took place in Leck Cemetery.

Ms Connors is predeceased by her husband Mickey, three of her sons and one of her daughters.

She will be sorely missed by her sons Danny, Michael, Austin, Tommy, Miley, Charlie, John and Jimmy, and her daughters Pearl, Margaret, Nellie, Tina and Annie.

Fondly remembered by her sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, all extended family members and friends.