A Tribute to Bridie Keane

Mary Kyne 

We in Oughterard lost a valued and much loved member of our community, Bridie Keane nee Flaherty who died suddenly on the 31st of August 2021. Bridie, a native of Trábháin, Leitir Mór is predeceased by her husband Padraic, her parents Baby Trayers and Tomás Stephen and her sister Nellie. Níl Bridie imithe uainn ach imithe romhainn.

Bridie has left a void, by her passing in our lives. She was a kind, caring, gentle person who brightened so many lives with her good humour, cheerful smile and her genuine interest and concern for the welfare of family friends and neighbours. People will miss her rambling down the street with a spring in her step, a kind word and a positive greeting for everyone she met.

Bridie, a gentle hard working soul had a positive attitude to life. She loved to dance, enjoyed her cupán tae and cigarette with neighbours and friends. Bhí sí spraoiúil, suaileach, sibhialta i gconaí in her dealings with others. Bridie cared for my children when they were young. There was fun and laughter in our home when Bridie was in charge. Above all Bridie loved her own grandchildren, Becky, Dylan, Hayley, Joseph, Stephen and her darling Emily. Bridie cared with compassion and kindness for several elder members of our community in their declining years. Her work was appreciated by the respective families.

For many years Bridie always ensured that all was safe and secure at Kilcummin Church as she opened and closed the Church on a daily basis. She was a loyal, trusted and valued employee of Finnerty’s Butchers. Bridie loved art and enjoyed painting classes that brought a sense of satisfaction and calm to her busy life. Her Art teacher said, “She was one of life’s gorgeous people, with kindness in abundance.” Gan dabht bean uasal cinéálta, geal gáireach a chuirfeadh gliondar ort i gconaí buaileadh leí.

Déanaim comhbhrón ó chroí leis an clann uilig, Rosemarie, Pauline, Stephen, extended family, grandchildren,  neighbours and friends atá faoi ualach an bhróin ag an am uaigneach seo. The Oughterard community came out in force to bid a final farewell to Bridie. Staff of all the businesses stood respectfully to attention as Bridie’s cortège wound slowly through the town. The Keane and Flaherty families were left in no doubt that Bridie was loved by all. The town will not be the same without her presence. As we bid farewell to Bridie sé ár nguí dí ná:
Go gcoinneoidh Dia i mbois a láimhe Bridie ar feadh na síoaíochta.

“Happy are those who die in the Lord,
Now they can rest forever after their work,
Since their good deeds go with them.”
(Apocalypse 14:13)

This page was added on 11/09/2021.

Comments about this page

  • Everyone I met her at Vinnie’s outdoor shop she would always ask me to play a tune on the accordion; which I did, badly. She was a joy to be around and loved people and life. She will always be missed and an inspiration

    Barry Clifford

    By Barry Clifford (23/09/2021)
  • A beautiful lady that is with the angels. May she rest in peace

    By Linda welby (15/09/2021)
  • Such a lovely genuine lady who had a kind word for everyone she will be sorry missed may she rest in peace xxx

    By Bernie molloy (14/09/2021)

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