The late Elizabeth (Lil) Nash is fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her

AN “ABSOLUTE lady” from one of the best known Limerick GAA families has gone to her eternal reward.

Elizabeth (Lil) Nash (née O’Brien), of Raheen, Ballysheedy, and late of Knockbrack, Lisnagry, County Limerick passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs Nash is the grandmother of six-time All-Ireland winner Barry Nash. The forward turned back is in the running for his third All Star this Friday night.

Another grandchild – Anthony Nash – also played intercounty but in the red of Cork for many years in goals.

All Mrs Nash’s six sons – Thomas, Noel, Michéal, Declan, Joseph, Gerard – pulled on the famous green and gold colours of South Liberties.

Michéal (Mike) and Declan were defensive stalwarts of the great Limerick team of the mid-nineties that won Munster titles and narrowly missed out on two All-Irelands in 1994 and 1996.

Daughter Elizabeth also represented South Liberties with distinction, making her own valuable contribution to the club’s sporting tradition and, on many occasions, holding her own alongside her brothers.

The pedigree GAA genes go back another generation as Mrs Nash’s late brother Thomas O’Brien played with the likes of Mick and John Mackey, Mick Herbert and Jackie Power during Ahane GAA Clubs’s seven-in-a-row from 1942 to 1948. The wing back also hurled with Limerick and won a National League medal in 1947. He played in two losing Munster finals in 1945 and 1949.

Tributes have poured in following the sad news of Mrs Nash’s passing.

John Godfrey, chairman of South Liberties GAA Club, said: “On behalf of South Liberties GAA, I wish to express my sincerest condolences to all the Nash family and extended families on the sad occasion of the passing of Lil. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”

Munster GAA treasurer Paul Foley also expressed his sincere condolences to the Nash family on the sad loss of Elizabeth.

Chief Superintendent of the Limerick Garda Division Derek Smart passed on the sincere sympathies to Michèal and the Nash family on the sad passing of Elizabeth.

Michéal (Mike) is a long serving garda sergeant in County Limerick while Thomas is a retired garda sergeant in County Cork.

Fond memories of Mrs Nash are also recalled by mourners with one recalling baking buns in Lil’s kitchen when she was a child.

Another person wrote on rip.ie: “An absolute lady. Great friends in Ahane school many years ago.”

Mrs Nash, who had a deep faith, is predeceased by her parents and siblings, her beloved husband Michael and baby Oliver.

Deeply regretted by her loving family, Thomas, Noel, Michéal, Declan, Joseph, Gerard, and Elizabeth (Boland), daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild, her brother Ken O’Brien, nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Reposing at Cross’s Funeral Home, Ballyneety, this Saturday, October 31, from 5pm to 7pm

Requiem Mass on Sunday, November 1, at 12.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Knockea followed by burial in Raheen Cemetery.

The Nash family have kindly asked for family flowers only with donations in lieu, if desired, to Milford Palliative Care.

Mrs Nash leaves behind a wonderful family legacy, treasured memories and a proud sporting heritage. She will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.