Bridie had a deep love of her family

BRIDIE Lennon died peacefully on October 12 last, following a short illness.

She lived all her married life in Bachelor’s Walk, Dundalk, and was a lady with a deep love of her family, who also had a staunch faith.

She enjoyed the ordinary routine of daily Mass and heading off to the shops while meeting and chatting with people along the way.

Bridie held the distinction of being one of the first group runners to complete the Dublin women’s mini-marathon, after taking up jogging at a relatively late stage.

She was the last surviving sibling in her family, one of eight children of the late John and Brigid McNamee, and was predeceased by her sisters, Anna and Bernadette and brothers, Francie, Jim, Michael, Sean and Hughie.

She grew up at Sportsmanshall, and took up employment at an early age in PJ Carrolls.

Her future husband, Paddy, worked in another of the town’s then traditional industries, shoe manufacturing, in Hallidays factory, which has also closed.

The couple met in the Pavilion ballroom in Blackrock, sadly another victim of changing times.

They married in Saint Nicholas’s church and had their reception in the Lorne Hotel in Clanbrassil Street, and lived for a very short time in Barrack Street. They bought what was to be their home for practically all of their marriage in Bachelor’s Walk.

Bridie, as was the custom, ceased work to run the family home and take care of the family. Sadly, the couple’s first born, Patricia, died after nine weeks. They then had two sons, Patrick and Gerard.

When the boys grew up, Bridie returned to work on a part-time basis in PJ Carrolls, in the shop in Church Street.

Bridie placed family first and foremost. She was a lady of dignity and respect for all, with a great sense of humour, and her faith was central to her life.

Mass was an integral part of her daily routine, attending the 8am celebration in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral every morning.

She had great devotion to Saint Gerard Majella and Saint Brigid and attended the annual novenas in Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church and Saint Nicholas’s. This year was the first time she missed Saint Gerard’s novena as she was in hospital.

She enjoyed going shopping for essential items and meeting up with friends and acquaintances and having a chat. She loved knitting and excelled at it with her nearest and dearest proud owners of her famous Arans. One of the last items she knitted with love was for her grandson, Patrick.

She was an avid viewer of sport on television when she didn’t like to be interrupted, whether it was darts, snooker or the Sunday Game.

Bridie was keenly interested in the fortunes of Louth and Dundalk FC, and over her final couple of weeks the only reason she asked for the television to be turned on was to see the result of the Lilywhites’ games.

She also loved Telly Bingo, and was a keen follower of the soaps, but her favourite programme was “Mrs Browns Boys” and Agnes Brown the character she most enjoyed.

She turned to jogging for exercise at a relatively late stage, and joined the Dundalk Joggers headed by Joan Brady. She was one of the earlier members, and completed the women’s mini marathon in the first couple of years of the event. A feat she was proud of.

Bingo was always her main leisure outlet outside the home. She used to attend sessions with her late mother, Brigid, and play twice a week. The Friary in more recent times was where she went, and enjoyed the craic with her buddies, particularly Bernie.

Bridie overcame serious illness a few years ago, but in recent weeks felt unwell and was admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where she passed away with close family by her side.

The family are deeply grateful to the staff in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for their care and attention. The esteem in which Bridie was held was reflected in the large attendance at her funeral ceremonies.

She will be sadly missed by her sorrowing husband, Paddy; sons, Patrick and Gerard; daughter-in-law Christine, grandson Patrick, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends. Her grandson Patrick held a special place in her affections in a family she cherished so much.

After reposing at home, Bridie, as was her wish, was removed on the Thursday to St. Nicholas’ Church, where she had received her First Holy Communion, was confirmed and later married.

Father Mark O’Hagan Adm. celebrated Requiem Mass the following day and delivered a warm personal eulogy from his knowledge of Bridie as a lady of strong faith and humorously concluded it with the catch phrase “That’s Nice” of her favourite television character, Mrs Brown.

Gifts symbolising Bridie’s life, including a photograph, her glasses, a St Gerard’s candle, holy water, knitting needles and a bingo book were presented at the altar by niece, Laura McArdle, daughter-in-law, Christine Lennon and Sandra Barry.

Nieces, Deirdre McGuinness and Rosemarie Duffy gave the Readings, while nephew, Gerard Ralph and Yvonne Gallagher led the Prayers of the Faithful.

The Offertory gifts were taken up by husband, Paddy and sons, Patrick and Gerard.

The beautiful music was provided by singer Deirdre Salmon and organist Brendan McCourt, and included Bridie’s favourite hymn to Saint Brigid.

Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Bridie’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, November 13 in St. Nicholas’ Church at 12 noon.