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To a really special “People of Ross” post, for a wonderful lady, Kathleen Fitzpatrick courtesy of her grandson Joe on behalf of all of her grandchildren.

Kathleen is so well known to us at the hotel and is a regular, someone we always love to see popping in. A real lady and always with a smile and warm word for us.

Kathleen’s grandchildren have put together a moving and fitting tribute as a surprise which we are moved and delighted to post, in Joe’s words “We all miss her very much during these difficult times”

Kathleen has been in the Bed and Breakfast business for over 50 years. Initially starting out in Serges cottage Ahiohill before relocating with her husband Jerry to Rosscarbery in the late 80’s. She quickly set up Curaheen Lodge Bed and Breakfast and soon became a valuable member of the Ross community, developing great relationships with other businesses in the area, in particular the Celtic Ross Hotel.

Curaheen Lodge expanded to include camping and a hostel and became a favourite of tourists from all over the world. This was mainly due to the charm and hospitality of Kathleen, this and of course her legendary home-made apple tarts. The popularity of Kathleen could be seen in the fact that the same visitors would return to Curaheen Lodge year after year. No visitor was turned away, even if it meant leaving a family member without a bed for the night to facilitate this! There were challenging times down through the years, but Kathleen always faced them with her unique determination and grace.

In recent times Kathleen completed a course in Business and Computers and began work as a secretary in Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, a job she continues to this day. She has done tremendous work down through the years organising the Bazaar each year in Rosscarbery.

Kathleen loves Interacting with people, young and old and her grandchildren often joke that she has FOMO (fear of missing out)! If there was a party or family gathering happening then she would be the first in the door and the last out! Kathleen is also known for her singing and has been an integral member of the choir in Rosscarbery down through the years. In fact many would argue that Christmas doesn’t start until Kathleen Fitzpatrick has sang ‘Oh Holy Night’ at Christmas Eve mass.

During these difficult times Kathleen has done her best to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbours, always putting others first. Her 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild (soon to be 2) would like to say that they love and miss her very much. She’s a mighty woman😊

These are tough times everyone and we all ride an emotional rollercoaster, thanks to Kathleen’s family for sharing their stories and highlighting the importance of communicating and reaching out. We are so happy to feature Kathleen Fitzpatrick in our “People of Ross”. An amazing lady who we look forward to seeing for a coffee some morning when we re-open😀 Stay safe Kathleen.

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