The death of Mary Cradock at the end of April left the city and county of Kilkenny stunned. A woman, well known for her incredible contribution to theatre, had, in one way or another, touched thousands of people.
Two projects come to mind. Her contribution to theatre and her work with the deaf community. Back in the 80’s, when Kilkenny folk were fighting to get their own theatre, the local Council advised ‘The Mayor’s theatre committee’, that if they could raise €50,000, the Arts Council would not be found wanting in their financial support.
Fundraising got underway immediately. Under the guidance of then County manager, Paddy Donnelly, Donal O’Brien (Town Clerk) and Tony Patterson, The Mayor’s Theatre Fund committee was formed. The mayor was Tommy Martin who fully supported the project. Many theatre soldiers joined the endeavour. Amongst them was Mary, and she didn’t hold back, getting involved in Pantomimes, door to door collections, and much more.
Goal achieved
The end result was the purchase of the old Savoy which was transformed into the Watergate theatre. Following its opening in 1993, the realisation soon dawned that lack of finance was going to be an issue going forward. Watergate Productions was founded. Two and sometimes three productions per year, over twenty five years raised hundreds of thousands of euros. The amateur company produced over 40 shows, with all proceeds going to the upkeep of the venue. There wasn’t one show where Mary didn’t have some input. Mary had the wonderful ability to see life through the eyes of a child, full of wonderment and excitement and with the controlled curiosity to expect the unexpected. So essential in making theatre.
Innate kindness
Many have reasons to remember Mary as being the power house of Kilkenny theatre. Her innate kindness meant no one was excluded and as she sensitively guided hesitant footsteps, she ensured loving inclusivity for all. Mary had a maternal affinity with schoolchildren that saw her become a guide and confidante to many of these aspiring actors. In the not to distant past she wrote and directed 6 children’s plays, and these performances were attended by thousands of children from all over the south east, sowing, for some, the theatrical seed. There are many from the CBS, Presentation, and Loreto schools who will remember her productions of Oklahoma, South Pacific , Calamity Jane and Viva Mexico. Her youth production of Les Miserable is still spoken of in theatre circles. Her gift of bringing stories to life for children should be celebrated as one of the great innovative success’s of recent theatrical endeavours. She was also a great friend and contributor to The Involvement Centre and The Recovery college with whom she took part in radio documentaries and plays, and with Sunday Serendipity on local radio station CRKC.
Determination
During his eulogy at St Canice’s church, Shane Cradock spoke of his mothers steel like determination. When one of her family members developed a hearing issue, Mary was shocked to discover that there was no lip reading service available in Kilkenny. Mary sprung into action and along with her good friend Colette Browne travelled to Dublin over the following few years to study lip reading, secured qualifications to teach it, and opened the first lip reading classes in Kilkenny. They received their qualifications from President Mary McAleese in Áras an Uactaráin.
Kindness
Mary had a way of making every room feel warmer the moment she walked in. Her kindness wasn’t loud. It was in the cup of tea she made without being asked. The way she remembered your appointments, asked about your family, and the text she’d send just to say “thinking of you.”
Peaceful
Speaking at the funeral mass, Fr Willie Purcell spoke of Mary’s deep religious belief and she told him she was well prepared for the next life. Fr Willie said that a peaceful death involves being surrounded by loved ones, allowing for the sharing of final moments, comforting words, and the performance of sacred rituals. Such was the case with Mary Cradock. She prepared, meticulously for her passing, not morbidly or fearfully but with tranquillity and joy. Family and friends were gathered as farewell interactions were delivered with loving calmness.
A good listener
She listened with her whole attention, laughed easily, and gave love like it cost nothing, even when life asked everything of her. Though she’s gone now, the gentleness she carried, lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to be called her friend.
Mary’ son Mark read an after communion reflection as pianist James Rice played Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy.
Music and singing at the funeral mass was performed by James Rice, Michael Hayes, Bridget Cody, Siobhán Cody, and Olivia Smith.
The local theatre community along with members of Carlow Little theatre, formed a guard of honour in the church grounds, while students from CBC Kilkenny and Loreto convent (with teachers Mandy Dowling, Rachel Leydon and Jacinta Cantwell) gave a rendition of ‘Do you hear the people sing’ from ‘Les Miserables’ as the hearse left the church grounds. The students presented red roses to the chief mourners.
To Jim, Shane, Mark, Catherine, to their wives and husband and to the beautiful grandchildren, we offer sincere condolences. Marys sacred memory will remain in our hearts forever.
‘Idtreo an t’solais’
(Lake productions)
Éirí na Gréine
From your bedroom window, your spectacular view
created a picture perfect postcard.
It was a photographer’s dream,
where leading lines and filling the frame
was paradise personified.
It was your oasis,
peace and tranquility.
Your heaven on earth,
where nature showed how beautiful
the world could be.
Though struggling with ill health.
you fought the good fight,
grateful for a life well lived,
and thankful to have met such lifelong friends
on your journey.
Surrounded by photos of family,
the sun shone and filled your space,
helping to alleviate some of the pain.
Like all tasks, you took it in your stride,
and said that your time was near.
You beamed when you spoke of
meeting your parents, Edward and Mary,
and your siblings, Eamonn and Patricia.
You relished the thought of being reacquainted
with friends already gone ahead.
Then, dawn broke, just after six,
and like the ‘Lilian Gloag’ painting
‘There are four corners to my bed’,
your angels, Jim, Shane, Mark and Catherine,
surrounded you with love.
You left, comfortable, in a dignified transition.
(GC)
