Roscommon Women’s Network pays tribute to late Philomena Hourigan ‘a force of nature’
The late Philomena Hourigan. Pic: RWN
Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) has paid tribute to a “warm, approachable, and endlessly generous” woman who passed away on Thursday following a brave battle with cancer.
Philomena Hourigan (nee Kenny), Harristown, Castlerea and late of Darndale, Dublin passed away peacefully at home on Thursday in the tender loving care of her devoted family.
Predeceased by her father Philip and mother Joan, she will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her children, William, Maria, Philip, Fran, Janis and Pamela, her 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sisters and brother, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives and friends.
Philomena will lie in repose at home today, Saturday, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Cremation service in Dardistown Crematorium on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m.
“Philomena first came through the doors of Roscommon Women’s Network around 2010. Having survived cancer and moved from Dublin to Castlerea, she was looking for a place of inclusion—somewhere to find support, fun and solidarity with other women, to learn, grow, share a laugh, and make genuine connections. Not only did she find that space, she immediately began sharing her own wonderful self and skills to lift other women up,” said RWN.
“When RWN was under serious threat of closure during the economic downturn, Philomena became a powerful advocate for our community project. She was always ready and willing to share her personal story of how RWN had been a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space during her difficult times. She fought tirelessly for our sustainability and growth so that other women would always have the same lifeline she had found.”
RWN went on to say: “Philomena was truly a force of nature. When her many friends in RWN speak about her, they always talk about her incredible witty humour, her endless positivity, and how effortlessly glamorous she always looked—no matter how unwell she was feeling. She was warm, approachable, and endlessly generous with her knowledge of art, crafts, and sewing always with a wonderful can-do attitude. And as if all that was not enough she completed a four year Honours degree course in Fine Art while she was at it!
“Philomena was one of the founding members of our social enterprise, CycleUp Textiles. In the early days, she volunteered countless hours creating beautiful upcycled gifts for sale, making face masks for organisations working with the most vulnerable when PPE was so scarce during the pandemic, braving the cold at many a Christmas fair, and becoming one of our much-loved CycleUp workshop tutors.
“Alongside her fellow founding members, Philomena proudly celebrated winning the AONTAS Star Award in 2021, the RDS Social Impact Award in 2023, and a special award at the 2025 Pride of Place.
“Through every challenge and every milestone, Philomena was right there. Even when her health was failing, she turned out with pride, glamour, and a smile at every event and award ceremony. She persevered, she endured, kept us going and she made us all laugh along the way.
“Today, RWN continues to thrive, and CycleUp Textiles now employs nine staff—a living, lasting part of Philomena's legacy.
“We will miss her terribly, and we will never, ever forget her. Rest in peace, Philomena. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
