Briegewasafamilyladyofdeepfaith
BRIEGE Heeney, Newtownbalregan, Dundalk, who died on 17 March, 2017, was a lady of deep faith, who had a great affinity with her native Cooley area.
She passed away peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital.
Briege was born on 16 February, 1948, to Kitty and Michael Murphy, Mullaghbuoy, Glenmore, and had two brothers and two sisters.
She received her education in Mullaghbuoy National School and then Bush Technical School.
As a young woman, Briege lived for a time with her aunt, Liza Ruddy in Jenkinstown, and also developed an attachment to that part of the peninsula.
Briege worked for many years for John O’Dowd bookmakers, who had offices throughout the north-east.
She was based for the most part in Bridge Street, Dundalk, and also worked in Bachelors Walk, Dundalk, and at different times in O’Dowd’s offices in Monaghan.
Briege married Michael Heeney on 2 October, 1975 in Mullaghbuoy, and together they had one daughter, Eimear.
She was very proud of the achievements of her daughter, a professional violinist and teacher, and these included when Eimear obtained a Masters Degree for Performance on the violin.
While Briege had a passing interest in the greyhounds trained by her husband, she took on a more active role when there were newly-whelped pups in the kennel.
She enjoyed baking and gardening, and had great time for all of her nephews and nieces, and was godmother to a number of them.
Briege lived the best life she could, given her health difficulties, and was well-travelled. Several times she went to America to visit her sister Theresa in Kansas.
A lady of deep faith, with a devotion to Padre Pio, she never missed Mass.
Briege is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter, Eimear; sisters, Theresa and Pauline; brothers, Jim and Michéal; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
An indication of the regard in which Briege and her family are held, was reflected in the many people who came to pay their respects.
After reposing at home, the remains were taken to St. Joseph’s Church, Castletown, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paddy Rushe.
Readings were given by Georgina Drumm and Bob Prossor, and Prayers of the Faithful were led by Nicola Cotter, Niall Campbell, Maria White and Peter Taylor.
Gifts symbolising Briege’s life were brought to the altar by Mary Johnston, Maeve Milling and Briege Heeney (sister-in-law).
Pádraig Murphy, Meabh Cotter and Ana Marie Murphy participated in the Offertory Procession.
A reflection was given by Michéal Murphy, and at the end of Mass, Michael Heeney spoke about Briege.
Beautiful music and singing was provided by musicians, Eimear Heeney, Fergal Carroll, staff conductor Army No. 1 Band; Blaithin Cahill Gregg and Jerry Dunne; and singer, Andrea Ruth Houlihan.
Burial took place in Lordship Cemetery.