Ed Sheeran mourns loss of his grandmother

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Anne Mary Sheeran (née Mulligan), Craanford, Gorey, who is grandmother to internationally renowned singer songwriter Ed Sheeran. She passed away peacefully at Castle Gardens Nursing Home, Enniscorthy, aged 98 years.

Ed Sheeran wrote a chart-topping song about his grandmother called ‘Nancy Mulligan’.

A nurse from Gorey, Anne Mary Mulligan married Bill Sheeran from Co. Derry in 1951 in London where they raised a family. Bill was deep into the local boxing world, both as a fighter and later in life as a teacher and historian.

In 1983 Bill and Anne Sheeran retired to her childhood home in Gorey, where both immersed themselves into promotion of Gorey Boxing Club, and undoubtedly enjoyed watching their grandson Ed Sheeran storming the worldwide pop charts.

Anne and her family were also closely associated with Courtown Golf Club, Gorey Musical Society, Gorey Tennis Club, Gorey and District Lions Club and Gorey Cricket Club.

Anne was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2013. She was well-known and held in high esteem throughout the community and news of her passing has caused sadness and great loss amongst family, friends and neighbours over a wide area.

FAMILY NOTICE; Anne Mary Sheeran (née Mulligan) Craan, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Died 25th April 2023 peacefully at Castle Gardens Nursing Home Enniscorthy. 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. Anne will be reposing at Floods Funeral Home McDermott Street Gorey on Monday (1st May) from 3pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday (3rd May) at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church Monaseed Gorey. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Craanford. Donations if desired to St. Aidan’s Daycare Centre Gorey. House Private Please.