THE late Maureen Duggan was described as a “hard-working and committed lady” at her funeral mass on Monday at St Patrick’s Church, Millstreet, Co Cork. Maureen passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29th in her 95th year, surrounded by her loving family.

In an old article published in Country Living, Noel C Duggan of the Green Glens Arena described his wife as his “miracle woman”. Her life was celebrated and remembered this week.

A rosette was brought to the altar at her funeral mass to honour her strong connection to the equestrian world where she was a steady and unwavering support to Noel C, working alongside him with grace, organisation and calm strength.

Her niece Joan delivered the eulogy in which she said: “Noel C and Maureen made a great team. Noel was ambitious, saw the potential in everything, and had the drive to follow his dreams. Maureen, in her quiet, capable, hard-working way, ensured that everything ran smoothly at home and in the office.

“She was firm and fair in her business dealings and, while many other businesses came and went, Noel C Duggan Limited survived and thrived. Maureen’s role in this cannot be underestimated. This was the cornerstone of the remarkable history of Green Glens and Millstreet to date.

“She was a supportive wife, a kind mother, a generous aunt and friend known for her great sense of style and elegance, she could always be relied on for sound, practical advice, and this advice was often sought and valued by family and friends.”

Maureen will be forever missed by her husband Noel C, her sons Barry and Thomas, her daughters Martina and Gena, grandchildren Siobhán, Noel, Emma, Darragh, Muireann and Shane, great-grandchildren Ailbhe, Bobby and Ronan, daughter-in-law Breda, sons-in-law Donagh Hickey and Pat Buckley.

Tributes

Many tributes were paid to Maureen over the weekend by the equestrian community. The Irish Horse Board paid the following tribute: “All at the Irish Horse Board extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maureen Duggan. Maureen, along with her husband Noel C Duggan, was a key member of the team that developed the Green Glens arena in Millstreet into a top-class international venue for equestrian sports and global events including the Eurovision song contest.”

Munster Showjumping said: “Heartfelt condolences to the Duggan family on the passing of Maureen. She was not only a respected judge, but a true friend and loyal supporter of Munster Showjumping for so many years. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine love for the sport touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply and sincerely missed. May Maureen’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.”