Bridget Burke
Newtown, Claremorris
THE death took place recently of Bridget Burke, Newtown, Claremorris. She was just two months short of her 100th birthday.
Born Bridget McGing in 1913, Bridgie lived through vast changes in Irish society. Ireland was still under rule from London when she arrived on this earth, World War 1 was raging at the time, and the vast majority of Irish people lived on the land.
She married James Burke and they raised a family of eight, four sons and four daughters. One of their sons, Tommy, died in 1964. Bridgie was predeceased by her husband James in 1984 and by her son Michael who died in 2007. Her nephew Tony McGing was also raised in the Burke family home.
The family had strong connections with the railway and CIE going back over the decades. Her son Michael resided in the homeplace and was there to take good care of her after returning from his work at Claremorris Station. After his death six years ago, her daughter Mary (Hession) ensured the best of kindness and care for her mother during the last few years of her long life.
Bridgie belonged to a generation of Irish people who felt very close to the land. She was an early riser, up most mornings by 6am, ready for the day ahead. She milked the cows, took care of the usual chores on the farm, and took it all in her stride as long as her health stayed well. She was neat and tidy in her work on the land and in the home where she always had a warm welcome for all who came to visit over the years.
Bridget was one of the real old stock of the area and was known to many people down the Balla Road over the years. The community extends condolences to the family circle at this time.
A wake was held in her home with removal from her residence to Claremorris Church. Interment took place in St Colman’s Cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Gannon, PP, assisted by Fr John Murray and Fr John Cosgrove.
She is survived by her daughters Mary Hession (Claremorris), Catherine McAndrew (Killala), Breege Joyce (Keelogues) and Ann Burke (Chicago), sons Peter (Chicago) and Joe (Manchester), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.