Tiny island off Clare closed following death of beloved former resident at 99-years-old

Tributes have come flooding in following the death of Patricia (Pattie) McMahon, the last resident to leave Clare's Scattery Island in the mid-1970s. 

The 99-year-old passed away on Monday, August 18 in the care of staff at St Senan's Nursing Home, Kilrush. 

The Clare native spent much of her life on Scattery Island, located off the coast of Kilrush, where she managed the post office and lighthouse. As a mark of respect to the much-loved woman, the island is closed today for her funeral, August 21. 

Ms McMahon, also formally of Cappa in Clare, is pre-deceased by her parents Bridget and Austin, brothers and sisters Alice, Anthony, Austin, Bridget, Christina, Mary, Michael, Nellie, Nora, Siney, Stephen, Patricia and Patrick.

She is deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews and many friends.

Following news of Ms McMahon's death, Scattery Island Tours took to their social media to pay tribute. 

A spokesperson said, "It is with great sadness that learn of the passing of Patricia (Patty) McMahon in her 99th year. Patty was the last resident to leave Scattery Island in the mid 1970's and she managed the Islands post office and lighthouse.

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"Her life on Scattery will always be remembered through the stories that we share about the island and its remarkable history. The island will be closed tomorrow (August 21) as a mark of respect to Patricia and her family. May she rest in peace." 

Many friends and aquaintances also took to RIP.ie to express their condolences.

One person said, "Sad to hear of the passing of Patti, the last to leave Scattery Island. A lovely gentle woman, always with a warm smile. Condolences to relatives and her many friends. Rest in peace."

While a second shared, "Heartbroken to learn that our lovely Pattie has left us all. To all the McMahons, sincere condolences to you. To you Pattie, thank you for all the beautiful memories of island life, you so happily shared, may you rest in peace now, reunited with all your loved ones, back once again on your beloved island home. 'May there come across the waters, a path of yellow moonlight, to bring you safely home.'"

A third commented, "Deepest condolences to Brid, Declan, Mary, Paul, James and Carmel on the passing of beautiful Pattie. We shared such a special bond with her at St Senan's. Heartbroken and dearly missed. Loved you like family Pattie. R.I.P my darling angel."

The beloved woman reposed in St Senan's Church in Kilrush on Wednesday evening, August 20 from 5pm, with Prayers said at 7pm.

Ms McMahon's Funeral Mass took place today, August 21, at 1pm followed by burial afterwards in Scattery Island Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.