Many of you sent your good wishes on learning of her illness and these and cards received were of great comfort to Carmel in her final days and weeks.

I was fortunate some few years ago to meet with and befriend Carmel when she returned to Newry for a short holiday. I will always remember that time. My wife Flo made Carmel’s acquaintance then too and she too records her sadness, and with me sends her condolences to Eric and their two adult children.

If for no other reason, I am proud and happy that Newry Journal brought so much joy and comfort to our dear friend during the last five years of her life on earth. And in turn, Carmel, with her erudite and homely contributions to this eMagazine, brought many smiles to our regular readers.

May she now enjoy the heavenly reward that she so richly deserves.

John McCullagh

Editor, Newry Journal