Ed Sheeran’s Wexford-born grandmother Anne Mary Sheeran, the inspiration for his song Nancy Mulligan, has died at the age of 98.
Mrs Sheeran, whose maiden name was Mulligan, of Craan, Craanford in Gorey passed away peacefully on 25 April at Castle Gardens Nursing Home in Enniscorthy.
Her death notice on rip.ie reads, "Beloved wife of the late Bill and loving mother of Jim, Bill, Peter, Chris, John, MaryAnne, Bridget and the late Sally and sister of the late Thomas, Jim, May, and Peggy.
"Deeply regretted by her loving sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, niece, nephews, relatives, friends, and neighbours. May She Rest In Peace."
According to the death notice, her funeral takes place tomorrow in north Wexford.
Her grandson Ed’s 2017 hit Nancy Mulligan told the story of how Derry man William 'Bill' Sheeran fell in love with Anne and married her on the Wexford border.
The singer said his grandparents "had this sort of Romeo and Juliet romance", which he described as "the most romantic thing".
Anne wed Bill in 1951 in London and the couple raised their family in the city before returning to Gorey in the 1980s.
Anne also has a keen interest in boxing and inspired young boxers in the locality. Decades later, she travelled to the 2012 Olympics to support the Irish boxing team.
Anne had eight children, 23 grand children and five great-grandchildren and in a 2017 interview with RTÉ, she recalled her future megastar grandson Ed as a 'lovely' kid.
"He came to Wexford every year on holidays once we moved here. I'll never think of him as famous. He's exactly the same as he always was when he visits and it's very rare because he's always working."
The late Mrs Sheeran worked as a nurse and was praised for her work in her community organising social events and providing support to anyone in need.
She was also a keen golfer and a regular in Courtown Golf Club, and a founding member of the Past Lady Captains of County Wexford Golf Society.
Chairperson of Courtown Golf Club Vincent Kearney explained that Mrs Sheeran was a member of Courtown Golf Club for almost 50 years, serving as Lady Captain in 1995.
"She was a very active and dedicated member of the club, working tirelessly for the progression of the club and its members, both male and female. Anne was instrumental in implementing the first golf computer facility in the club and was constructive in getting facilities installed for the comfort of all the members.
"She was always welcoming and friendly to everyone and especially encouraging the younger members of the club. Such was her contribution to the club that Anne was bestowed honorary membership more than 15 years ago".
She is also remembered as a huge supporter of the musical and drama societies in Gorey and often donated costumes.
Paying tribute, Carmel Byrne of Gorey Musical Society credits Mrs Sheeran with helping out the Society when it had "no home" as she would store the musical props and costumes in her own loft in Craanford and always came on board to help in times of need over the years.
Speaking to RTÉ News, she said, "She was a true lady from head to toe. I was a nurse, and she was a nurse, so we really got to know each other over the years. We helped out with the local branch of the Special Olympics in 2003.
"She was a faithful servant to Gorey Musical Society and was so helpful to us. She never missed a musical as far as I can remember, and we have a collection of great photos from over the years with Anne in them. We will all remember her".
She added that Mrs Sheeran often spoke about her grandson Ed, who spent time with his grandmother and in the local area when he came to Ireland to play gigs.
"He was her grandson and that was it, she didn't treat him any differently. She often told us about him when he was starting out as a musician".
Anne Sheeran was involved in countless clubs and societies in her local area and made a significant contribution to each.
She and her family were involved in Courtown Golf Club, Gorey and District Lions Club, Gorey Cricket Club, Gorey Musical Society, Gorey Tennis Club and Gorey Boxing Club..
Gorey Boxing Club will hold a guard of honour at Ms Sheeran's funeral tomorrow, and Niall Kennedy of the club explained that she was the honorary president of the club due to the involvement in its foundation, with her brother and the Mulligan family and her late husband Bill.
"Anne was the one who convinced her husband to financially contribute to purchase the land to keep local clubs open. She became a grandmother to every child who went in the door.
"Up to about six or seven years ago, she would be attending every event and getting involved in fundraising.
"She was one of the nicest people you could meet, so kind with her time and always glamourous".
Speaking about Mrs Sheeran’s famous grandson, Mr Kennedy said that she treated all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the same.
"Having a pop star for a grandson wouldn’t have phased her because nothing did".
He added that back in 2012, Mrs Sheeran did everything in her power to get a ticket to attend the 2012 Olympics in London and came back with plenty of stories and souvenirs for those back in the club.
"She was a massive sports fan and a great ambassador for women in sport. She loved all kids of sport from cricket, to golf and tennis and was decent and good natured in whatever club she’d visit".
Additional reporting Alan Corr
