Bridie Geraghty

The death has taken place on Tuesday, May 10 of Bridie Geraghty, Drumindoo, Westport, a very popular and respected member of the local community.  
She was 96 years old and her passing, which took place at the Pilgrim’s Rest Nursing Home, caused much sadness in the Westport area.
Bridie was daughter of  Charles and Honora (Nora) Cannon, Knockasproha, Carrowholly, Westport. Her mother died when the family were young so she had to assume some of the household responsibilities at an early age.
When she met and married  John Geraghty, she came to live in Drumindoo in 1952 and soon became an integral part of the close-knit rural community. They both enjoyed the regular visits of neighbours and friends to their home where there was always a warm welcome. They were very happy and worked hard and had a family of four boys and one girl.
Bridie had a very gentle disposition with a positive outlook on life and always saw the good in others. Spring was her favourite time of year – a chance to get outdoors to spend time in her garden attending to shrubs and flowers. She also took part in all of the farming activities.  She had a great interest in her appearance and had a good eye for style. She kept up to date with current affairs and enjoyed reading, listening to music on the radio and especially baking.
Bridie had a good singing voice and could be persuaded at social gatherings to participate with a song or two. “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms”, a song, by Thomas Moore, of enduring love, was one of her favourites.
Her family was the most important thing in her life, she was very proud of them and encouraged them in all their pursuits. She also took great pleasure in seeing her grandchildren grow up.
In 1984, her husband John, the love of her life, passed after a short illness. She missed him very much but her Christian faith helped her at this time. She enjoyed very good health all her life but the last number of years saw her health decline. She had been lovingly cared for by her family with the help of a dedicated group of carers before moving to The Pilgrim’s Rest in 2015 where she received exceptionally good care.
Large numbers attended removal of her remains at McGings Funeral Home bearing testimony of the affection in which she was held. Fr Denis Carney, PP Balla, a cousin of the family said the prayers and later received her remains at St Mary’s Church, Westport.
The chief concelebrant at the funeral Mass was Fr Micheál Mac Gréil, SJ, a long-time friend and former neighbour in Drumindoo. During his homily he spoke of Bridie’s many Christian qualities describing her as a good neighbour and someone who would never speak ill of anyone. Kate (granddaughter) sang the psalm “Mo Grá Thú”. St Mary’s Church choir sang beautifully and one of the hymns was, appropriately for the season, “Bring Flowers of the Rarest”. Readings, Prayers of the Faithful and gifts were brought to the altar by family members and grandchildren and her son Paddy expressed thanks to all involved in the ceremony. Sarah Jane (granddaughter) played a selection of traditional airs on flute at the end of Mass.
Bridie is sadly missed by her family, Mary Mulderrig (Kiltimagh), Paddy, John Joe, Seamus and Micheál (Westport), daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, John, sister Mary Kate (Nottingham), bºrothers Michael (Detroit), Jim (Nottingham) and Chas (Carrowholly).
Following Requiem Mass burial took place beside her husband John in Kilmaclasser Cemetery. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.