Heartbreaking end to search for loving mum Deirdre (50)
A COMMUNITY is in mourning following the untimely death of Deirdre Redmond (50) last week and together have rallied behind the Redmond and Browne families to support them during these difficult days.
After a six-day search, involving hundreds of members of the public as well as gardaí, Courtown RNLI, the Coast Guard, Wexford Civil Defence, Wicklow Mountain Rescue and other front line services, Deirdre’s body was recovered near Courtown by the Courtown/ Arklow Coastguard team on Friday evening last.
Much of the search was coordinated through Naomh Eanna GAA club and saw huge crowds gather in support throughout the week, covering land and sea every day all the way from Brittas Bay to Blackwater and everywhere in between.
They were helped by members of the public who donated food and drinks to keep energy and stamina up.
Gardaí in Gorey complimented the work but in by all involved.
‘We’d like to offer our deepest sympathies to the Redmond and Browne families and acknowledge the huge effort of work put in by all of all agencies, too many to name individually. In our thanks, we include the people who came and showed support to the family,’ said Sergeant Stephen Ennis.
The multiple teams searched from early morning, afternoon and until late evening from Sunday to Friday, constantly with the frame of mind set on bringing Deirdre home.
Deirdre Redmond’s funeral takes place today, ( Tuesday, July 21) privately.
Over the past few days, tributes and condolences have spread like wild-fire online. Some of the weekend’s sports club social events called off as a sign of respect for the muchloved mother of three.
Deirdre is remembered fondly in the community, from being involved with Gorey Park Run to her family’s own deeply held interest in sport – particularly GAA.
Deirdre was a full time carer to her daughter and dedicated loving mother and wife, sister and daughter.
She was popular among everyone she met, with kind-hearted sentiments being shared with the grieving family at this time.
Online, a Google Drive document has been set up by Deirdre’s son Jason to collect fond memories of his mum which can be accessed through the ‘Remembering Deirdre’ Facebook page which is now open to the public to contribute to.
A list of memories will be
Locals taking part in one of the many searches around Gorey last week.
compiled in order to tell others and show her family and friends.
Thanking the community, Jason praised the efforts of Naomh Eanna GAA and front line staff.
‘ They have done everything asked of them and in huge volumes, no matter how big or small. Day after day, the support has been incredible and it was such a great community effort.
‘As a family, we have solace and now we can give this amazing, caring and most beautiful woman the send-off she deserves’.
A poem by Gorey native Cathy Hogan has also been shared in honour of Deirdre and has been highly praised.
Deirdre is remembered as a kind, caring and funny person to all that knew her and she was dedicated to her family.
Senator Malcolm Byrne knew Deirdre through Gorey Park Run.
‘I wish to extend my sympathy to the Redmond and Browne families on the loss of Deirdre. She was a loving mother and proud of her community. She used to take part in the Park Run where she always encouraged others.
‘I’d also pay tribute to the outstanding work of Naomh Eanna GAA and the Gardai in coordination of the search effort,’ he said.
Echoing these remarks, Cathoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Councillor Joe Sullivan said that every member of the community is mourning Deirdre’s loss.
‘ The sympathy of the area is with the Redmond and Browne families at this time. All we can do now is support them going forward,’ he said.
After coordinating the searches last week, Naomh Éanna GAA club released the following statement: ‘Over the past days, we have witnessed a community come together to support a family in need of help. People came in their hundreds to offer assistance when needed. We cannot thank you enough for the response you have given and the empathy you have shown to the Browne and Redmond Family. Our thoughts now are with Deirdre’s family and friends’.
Deirdre Redmond is survived by her parents Jimmy and Mary, husband Pat, sons Anthony, Jason and daughter Niamh, siblings James, Colin, Leonard, Emma, Declan and the late Nigel as well as many relatives, friends and neighbours.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.