The late Margaret Fagan recalled as 'an amazing lady'

The death of 92-year-old Margaret Fagan, née Mulvin, of Mullingar Equestrian, Rathcolman, Mullingar, marked the end of an era in golfing, bridge and horse riding circles locally and nationally.

She was a woman of keen intellect, sharp business acumen and focus, and was devoted to her work and family. The huge attendances at her obsequies were testament to how much she was admired and loved.

Mrs Fagan died peacefully on April 3, surrounded by her devoted family at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar. She was predeceased by her husband Edward Joseph who died in 2017. He was a former Fine Gael member of Westmeath County Council and director and auctioneer of Mullingar Livestock Agency for close on half a century.

The family matriarch, Mrs Fagan was very family focused and held her seven children and 17 grandchildren close to her heart. Her kitchen was the hub around which her large family gathered. She fostered a great bond with her grandchildren who held her in huge affection.

Golf was one of Mrs Fagan’s great passions. In a tribute from Mullingar Golf Club, the late Mrs Fagan was described as an amazing lady and a talented, gifted golfer.

She was Lady Captain of Mullingar Golf Club in 1955 and Lady President in 1987-89. Margaret won many prestigious honours including two Senior Interprovincials - 1975 and 1978.

She won the Midland Senior Championship in 1963 and 1970, both in her home club of Mullingar and both when she was pregnant. Mrs Fagan was National PGA Tankard winner 2002, in addition to winning Lady President’s Prize in 1968 and Lady Captain’s Prize in 1988.

Born in 1931, Margaret was an only child. Her parents both played social golf and during World War 2 they would cycle from their home at Kenny to the Golf Club and Margaret would be brought along. Therefore, she was introduced to golf at an early age and went on to become Lady Captain when she was 25 years old.

Mrs Fagan played golf two or three times a week throughout her life and was a member of both Mullingar and Athlone Golf Clubs. Herself and her good friend the late Kathleen Reilly of Stonefacings, Mullingar, travelled around the country together, playing golf. They were both competitive, keen golfers.

A large guard of honour was formed by the Mullingar Golf Club at Mrs Fagan’s funeral. It included past Lady Captains of which Mrs Fagan’s daughter Dorothy is one.

Golf was Mrs Fagan’s antidote to a busy life. In 1992 she initiated the opening of Mullingar Equestrian Centre, with the support of her husband. They had put their own children through the ranks of horse and pony jumping and wanted to provide facilities for future generations. Under the stewardship of their son Robert, the business has flourished from a simple indoor arena to one of the premier show jumping venues in the country.

Margaret was a national showjumping judge and was well respected all over the country. She spent many hours in the judges box and had a great knowledge of the rules.

Her other passions were bridge which she played regularly, and her faith. She attended Mass every Sunday and made frequent pilgrimages to Knock Shrine.

Mrs Fagan is survived by her children - Declan, Denis, Dorothy O’Keeffe, Laura Drumm, David, Robert and Mark and her cherished grandchildren - Elaine, Carole, Ciara, Amy, Anita, Conor, Shane, James, Charlie, Anna, Eoghan, Ruairi, Roisín, Alanna, Ted, Robyn and Chloe. She is lovingly remembered by her family, sons-in-law Donal and Thomas, daughters-in-law Bernie, Oomchai, Ann Marie, Sarah Jane and Deryn, brother-in-law Frank, relatives and many friends especially in the equestrian and golf world.

Her remains reposed at her home. Requiem Mass was in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, followed by burial in Walshestown Cemetery.