The late Biddy Daly, Glenavaha, Ballysaggart
It’s with profound sorrow and sincere regret that we record the passing of Biddy Daly (nee Fitzgibbons), which occurred peacefully on Friday, 4th September 2020 in the loving care of the staff of Care Choice Nursing Home, Dungarvan.
Biddy was born on October 14th, 1928, the third youngest of a family of 11. She was brought up on the family farm just on the Tipperary border, which she never let her family forget... especially the banter around match times where she would sneak a Tipp flag up somewhere!
Biddy married Jimmy Daly and settled in Glenavaha and became a big part of the Ballysaggart community. Along with raising her own family, she also went on to become a huge part in rearing many other families in the community. Her special recipe of boiled sausages and oxtail soup has been engraved in many people’s memories.
Sadly, Biddy was widowed aged just 50 but her strong faith kept her going. She always looked forward to her trips to Knock, Our Lady’s Islands and of course the highlight was the trip to Lourdes. This faith kept her strong to rear her family. She loved life and the company of her loving family and her wide circle of friends. Her pride and joy were her 23 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren.
In the last number of years her health declined and she decided to move to St. Carthage’s in Lismore, which became her new home. She formed great friendships and found her talent for painting. From there, she spent time in Care Choice
Nursing Home, Dungarvan which became her final home and while her passing will be deeply mourned, her memory will live on forever.
On Saturday morning, September 5th, Biddy was brought home to Glenavaha for a brief period where her family and neighbours gathered for the recitation of the Rosary. Biddy then lay in repose in St. Carthage’s Mortuary, Lismore where Rosary was recited on Saturday evening. Following funeral prayers recited by Fr. M. Cullinan P.P. on Sunday evening, her removal took place to St. Mary’s Church in Ballysaggart where her remains were blessed and received.
Funeral Mass for the happy repose of Biddy was celebrated on Monday afternoon 7th, the celebrant being Fr M Cullinan. The readings were performed by her granddaughters Emma
Daly and Ann-Marie Fitzgibbons, while the psalm was sung by her granddaughter Marie Murphy. The Prayers of the Faithful were recited by her grandsons Michael Daly, Brian and TJ Murphy, granddaughters Ciara and Tara Daly and son Mossy. The Communion reflection was read by her granddaughter Jenny Twomey. Her daughter Bridie gave a fitting eulogy in her mother’s memory, while music and hymns were provided by Joseph Nugent and Kevin Roche.
After Mass, the cortege proceeded to the adjoining cemetery where after final prayers recited by Fr Cullinan, Biddy was laid to rest beside her late husband Jimmy. At the conclusion of prayers her grandson Padraig Murphy led all present in singing ‘ The Galtee Mountain Boy’ in a fitting tribute to a very special lady.
To her loving family Mossy, Bridie, Johnny, Paddy, Mickey and James, son-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends, we extend our sincere sympathy. May she rest in peace.
(Funeral arrangements were by Ryan’s Funeral Directors, Lismore.)