There is widespread sadness following the passing of fashion pioneer and businesswoman Mary McAuliffe.
Mary was the driving force behind McAuliffe’s Craft Shop on Dunfanaghy’s Main Street.
A fashion influencer before the phrase was even coined, Mary was a remarkable 105 years old.
Born in Kill, Dunfanaghy, on January 31, 1921, she even owned a shop in the heart of Dunfanaghy from the tender age of just 18.
Mary and her sister Gretta were fashion influencers before the phrase was ever coined, helping ladies of the locality look and feel their best.
The business began with their mother, Cassie Sweeney, who opened a small drapers shop in Falcarragh back in 1920. The shop mainly sold household items and other essentials.
When Cassie died, Mary took over the business and developed the shop by introducing stylish clothing and renaming it ‘Sweeney’s Fashion House’.
Mary’s sister, Gretta, was sent to Dublin to study fashion design. Gretta had her own label, called Glenveagh, which was built on her love of Donegal-made fabric, particularly tweed.
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After she married pharmacist Jack Mc Auliffe, Mary began trialling a pop-up shop in Dunfanaghy before eventually moving her entire business over in 1969. She worked alongside Jack and his chemist for many years in what was known as the ‘Tweed & Fashion Shop.’
After Jack and Mary retired, their daughter, Anne, took over the business, and it eventually became ‘Mc Auliffe’s Craft Shop’. Two years ago, after 40 fulfilling years, Anne announced her retirement and the closure of the business.
A heritage stone now sits at ‘Sweeney’s Corner’ in Falcarragh to mark the place where Cassie Sweeney opened her shop, paving the way for the beginnings of a 100+ year family-run business.
Below is Mary’s death notice.
May she rest in eternal peace.
The death has occurred of Mary Bridget Mc Auliffe (née Sweeney) of Kill, Dunfanaghy, Donegal, F92 K6K3
The death has occurred of Mary Bridget Mc Auliffe (née Sweeney) Kill, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, 21 st July 2026, peacefully at Falcarragh Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and the dedicated medical and care team. Mary, beloved wife of Jack, who predeceased her, and dear mother of Mary, Anne and Séan. Mary will be deeply missed by her children; daughter-in-law Honor; sons in-law Robbie and Terry; grandchildren Ava, Jack, Aifric, Conor and Ross; great-granddaughter Emily; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Catherine (Cassie) Sweeney, and her siblings John, Maurice, Terry, Michael, Crissie, and Gretta.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal | May her noble soul rest in peace.
Mary will repose in her family home in Kill, Dunfanaghy (F92 K6K3), from 11.00 am on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 and Thursday 23rd July 2026. Rosary nightly at 9.00 p.m. House private after the rosary and on the morning of the Funeral. Funeral Mass in Holy Cross Church, Dunfanaghy on Friday 24th July 2026 at 12.00 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. Mass can be viewed live on https://mcn.live/Camera/holy-cross-church