The following appreciation piece is based on an interview with Sr. Genny by Albert Fitzgerald on Midlands 103’s Life and Times programme recorded in 2007. You can listen to the full recording on Voices of Offaly which is accessible from the homepage of Offaly History website (www.offalyhistory.com)
On Saturday 3rd of October 2026, the community of Tullamore, County Offaly, and the wider Sisters of Mercy family bid a solemn and heartfelt farewell to Sister Genevieve Hassey—known affectionately to generations of students, parishioners, colleagues, and friends simply as Sr. Genny. Though born Philomena Hassey in Freshford, County Kilkenny, her life’s work, her warm smile, and her untiring spirit became inextricably woven into the fabric of Tullamore over more than seven decades. To write an appreciation of Sr. Genny is to recall a life marked by joy, resilience, dedicated service to youth and parish, an open-minded approach to education, and an enduring faith that touched countless lives.
Early Days:
Born Philomena “Phil” Hassey in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Sr. Genny was the daughter of Tom and May Hassey (née Swan), both Wexford natives. Growing up alongside her brother Willie, young Phil experienced the rich charm of Irish rural life in the 1940s—bringing in the hay, attending local threshings, playing games of Cowboys and Indians, and staging amateur theatricals with brown-paper backdrops in the family kitchen. Her father, a miller by trade, worked at Staunton’s Mill in Freshford, where he painstakingly dressed millstones with hammer and chisel, taking a young Phil on tours through the water-powered mill to marvel at wheat turning into flour.
In July 1952, when Phil was ten years old, her father took up a milling position with B. Daly & Company (attached to D.E. Williams) in Tullamore. The family loaded their belongings onto an open lorry and set out for Offaly. As they passed Clonminch, her father pointed out the town water tower—a moment that marked the beginning of her lifelong romance with Tullamore.
The family initially lived down Water Lane in one of the Distillery Cottages. For a young girl, moving into a bustling distillery where heavy gates locked at dusk was a stark contrast to village life. Yet, the quiet surroundings became a playground: on peaceful Sunday mornings, the Hassey family played rounders and soccer against the heavy doors of the Bond Stores. In 1955, the family moved to Marian Place as one of its very first residents. During her youth in Tullamore, Phil embraced every bit of adventure available, whether roller-skating down High Street on quiet Sunday mornings or sharing a plate of chips at Kelly’s in O’Connor Square.
‘The Call’ and Early Ministry
Phil completed her primary education at St. Philomena’s on Harbour Street before attending the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore for her secondary education. After completing her Leaving Certificate in 1960, she ventured to Manchester, where her brother Willie was living. Working as a wages clerk at a mail-order firm near Dickens Street, she relished the independence of city life—enjoying lunch-hour dances at local clubs and socialising with fellow young Irish women at St. Brendan’s.
Yet, amid the vibrant social scene of 1960s Manchester, a deeper calling began to stir. Inspired by teachers like Sr. Dolores Walsh from her schooldays in Tullamore, Phil realised that she wanted her life to stand for something larger—a commitment of service consecrated to God and community.
Though her choice met initial resistance from her parents and brother, Phil’s determination remained unshakable. She returned to Tullamore and entered the Sisters of Mercy novitiate on October 15, 1961. Joining a lively group of eighteen novices, she received the religious name Sister Genevieve.
Following her initial religious formation and first profession in 1964, Sr. Genny was sent to University College Galway, where she earned her degree in Economics and Commerce—a challenging task undertaken partly through the Irish language. She completed her Higher Diploma in Education at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 1967, returning to her alma mater, the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore, to begin her teaching career.
Educator and Youth Champion
For eight years, Sr. Genny taught Business, Commerce, Economics, Irish, and English at the Sacred Heart School. Her energetic, practical, and approachable style instantly endeared her to students.
In 1975, her ministry took a major turn when she stepped out of the classroom full-time to lead the local Youth Service, taking over from Sr. Xavier. Operating out of Scoil Mhuire, Sr. Genny worked tirelessly to consolidate local youth clubs and help establish the Regional Youth Council spanning Westmeath and Offaly.
In 1976, at the request of the Bishop, Sr. Genny accepted a post to teach Religious Education at Tullamore Vocational School (later Tullamore College). It was a role she would hold for twenty-seven years until her early retirement in June 2004. At Tullamore College, Sr. Genny became a revered cornerstone of the school community. Teaching RE across all year groups, she embraced the challenge of engaging teenagers on tough questions of life, faith, and ethics. She welcomed debate and lively arguments in class, encouraging students to question, explore, and think critically rather than passively accept dogma. Long before multi-denominational curricula became common practice, Sr. Genny championed the study of world religions, fostering tolerance, empathy, and respect among her pupils.
Her dedication extended far beyond the classroom doors. Sr. Genny was a central figure at St. Mary’s Youth Centre on Harbour Street from the day it opened on June 10, 1980. Over decades, she served in leadership and advisory capacities for the centre, which offered structured activities, indoor soccer, karate, talent competitions, and summer programmes for youth aged seven to eighteen. She was particularly devoted to the annual Youth Centre Musical, participating in all productions during her active tenure. Her rapport with local young people was legendary: she possessed a unique blend of firmness, warmth, and natural authority that could instantly calm a room or command the respect of the liveliest teenager.
Travel and Community Service
Though deeply rooted in Tullamore, Sr. Genny possessed a lifelong passion for travel and discovery. As a child, she had dreamed of being an air hostess so she could see the world. Through her involvement with the National Youth Federation and religious initiatives, that dream was amply fulfilled.
She represented Ireland at international youth conferences across Europe, including Germany. In Christmas 2000, she joined a pilgrimage group to Beijing, China, marvelling at its history, culture, and thousands of cyclists. She also travelled to Africa, visiting Mercy mission houses in Zambia. There, she witnessed first-hand the resourcefulness and joyful spirit of communities living in deep poverty—an experience that left a lasting impression on her heart.
Following her retirement from teaching in 2004, Sr. Genny showed no desire to sit idle. She stepped straight into a new role as Parish Liturgist for Tullamore Parish. Working alongside local schools, priests, and parish volunteers, she guided families in preparing young children for First Holy Communion, First Penance, and Confirmation. She approached this work with gentleness and understanding, seeking to break down barriers and support parents in discussing faith openly with their children.
A Warm and Vibrant Legacy
To know Sr. Genny was to appreciate a woman of broad interests, quick wit, and genuine warmth. An avid reader and daily walker, she enjoyed everything from contemporary novels to staying abreast of current affairs. Encouraged by teaching colleagues, she became an enthusiastic follower of Irish sports—especially Rugby and GAA.
Above all, Sr. Genny embodied the true charism of Catherine McAuley’s Sisters of Mercy: a life lived in active service to others, grounded in deep personal faith, and delivered with humour, humility, and unconditional kindness.
As the people of Tullamore, Offaly, Kilkenny, and Wexford mourn her passing, they also celebrate an extraordinary legacy. Generations of young people were educated, mentored, and inspired by her guidance. Her warmth lit up classrooms, youth halls, and parish meetings alike.
May her gentle, generous soul rest in peace.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam Dilis.
