It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a beloved member of our community, Anna O’Flaherty (née Hanmore), whose voice once resonated through the airwaves of Midwest Radio. But here’s where it gets emotional—Anna’s journey came to a peaceful end on December 20th, 2025, at the Roscommon Hospice, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. And this is the part most people miss—her life was a tapestry of connections, from her roots in Harristown, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, to the far-reaching bonds she forged with family and friends across the globe.
Anna was predeceased by her parents, her devoted husband Bartley, and her brothers Mike, Pat, Peter, and Jack. A point to ponder—while death is inevitable, it’s the lives we touch that truly define us. Anna’s impact is evident in the hearts of those who will deeply miss her: her brother Kelly (New Jersey), sisters Nello (Harte, Castlerea), Stephaine (Miller, Liverpool), Margaret (McHale, Donegal), and Breege (Cryan, Boyle), along with her brothers-in-law Cathal, Timothy, and Kevin, sisters-in-law Linda and Kathleen, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends. Her absence will be felt, but her spirit will live on in the stories shared and the love she left behind.
May She Rest In Peace.
For those wishing to pay their respects, Anna will be reposing at McDonagh’s Funeral Home in Castlerea (F45 V2Y4) on Monday evening from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock. A moment to reflect—funeral traditions often serve as a bridge between grief and remembrance. On Tuesday morning, her remains will be removed from the funeral home and brought to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, for the Mass of the Resurrection at 11 o’clock, followed by Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. For those unable to attend in person, Anna’s Funeral Mass will be available for viewing via the St. Patrick’s Church Webcam, ensuring her final farewell reaches all who held her dear.
A controversial yet thoughtful gesture—in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice (https://www.hospice.ie/donations/in-loving-memory/), a testament to Anna’s compassion and her wish to support those in need. This act of generosity not only honors her memory but also sparks a conversation: How do we best commemorate a life well-lived?
As we bid farewell to Anna, we invite you to share your thoughts, memories, or even differing perspectives in the comments below. How has Anna’s story resonated with you? And what legacy would you hope to leave behind?
