Sr. Richard Dufficy - an appreciation

On Sunday, January 21 last, with much sadness we learned of the death of our great friend and colleague, Sr Richard of the Mercy Order of Elphin Diocese and the Western Province.

Sr Richard (Alicia) was born in the Cluain Ai parish of Tulsk 88 years ago, to Richard Dufficy and his wife Sarah Lennon.

Sr Richard read music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Belonging to a large family, she was reared on the family farm. She was essentially gregarious, unselfish, kind, courageous, and good humuored — traits that were the natural consequence of a splendid home upbringing.

Sr Richard taught music in Summerhill Convent, Athlone, and for many years in Boyle Convent of Mercy Secondary School. She was also very much involved with the Boyle Musical Society.

She was widely regarded as a great teacher of music, who recognised the latent music ability of many shy pupils.

For Sr Richard, everyone could sing.

She taught and mentored the shy and the not too shy students and adults for many years.

Musically there were no half measures, she kept the pressure on till the music both vocal and instrumental was perfect.

She spent years training and coaching the choir of Strokestown Parish Church.

Her funeral Mass took place in Strokestown Church, and the Mass was concelebrated by 14 priests — a huge volume these days.

The present choir under Angela McHugh paid her a lasting and well-deserved honour by singing and playing during her requiem Mass.

As a native of Cluain Ai, close to Rathcroghan, it is not surprising that Sr Richard had a great love and appreciation of the archaeology and history of Ireland.

We remember our travels to the Burren, Armagh, Cashel, and many other famous places in our country. As a student of fine art, she could easily weave into her knowledge of music, the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, and generously explain to us all in layman’s language the impact of these influences.

From the land in Tulsk she brought with her a great love of nature, the lore and customs of rural life.

She was broadminded and laughed heartily when something really funny happened.

She shared some traits of the great Carmelite nun St Teresa of Avila.

St Teresa insisted that her nuns would sing, dance, and play music as a recreation in the convent. Of course, the religious duties peculiar to the order were observed.

One of St Teresa’s famous quotes was: “The Lord preserve me from sour faced nuns.”

Not only could Sr Richard play many instruments, but she had a mellifluous singing voice and was a good Irish set dancer. She enlivened many a wholesome gathering of people.

Unlike St Teresa, who drove a mule cart around Spain, Sr Richard was one of the first nuns to learn to drive a car and taught many nuns.

Her ecumenism was much appreciated by other churches. She played the organ in the Church of Ireland, Boyle, many times.

She even played the organ in the Cathedral of St Fethlimidh, Kilmore, Co Cavan.

For births, deaths, and marriages Sr Richard advised and arranged music for the events.

To conclude, we say a thousand thanks to you Sr Richard and to all the other great nuns of Boyle Convent of Mercy who gave us so much spiritual comfort, education and solace. May your mighty legacy live on.

We now say: “A shiur, slán leat and ceol na n-aingeal go gcluine tú.”