Thurles locals deeply saddened by the passing of well-known and popular Bridget Murphy
Bridget, nee Ely, was very highly regarded in the community and was the kind of person who would go out of her way to help others. She had the reputation for being a kind and caring neighbour and was never one to shy away from hard work when it was necessary.
Thurles locals and in particular those living in and around Iona Avenue were deeply saddened by the passing of well known and popular Bridget Murphy who was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery this week, alongside her husband, the late Tipperary All-Ireland winning senior hurling captain Michael Murphy.
Bridget, nee Ely, was very highly regarded in the community and was the kind of person who would go out of her way to help others. She had the reputation for being a kind and caring neighbour and was never one to shy away from hard work when it was necessary.
Indeed, she often went above and beyond the call of duty when it came to helping neighbours and friends and the Murphy household in 1 Iona Avenue was a place where the door was always open – she operated a very successful hairdressing business for many too and was regarded as a very professional and skilled hairdresser who was never afraid to try out new styles and trends for customers.
Bridget and the late Michael reared their family – sons Paul, Aidan and Michael, and daughter Fiona and Ciara – in a very loving and caring environment in the family home. But, they were determined to allow each of the family members to find their own independence too and as they made their way in life, they were there to support, assist and advise them whenever necessary.
Bridget and Michael delighted in their grandchildren and loved watching them grow and develop into young adults as they kept up to date with all of the various sports, projects and activities in which they were involved. Following Michael’s passing in January 2018, Bridget maintained that great interest in her grandchildren’s lives and they helped to keeper her young at heart and full of life despite the blow of having lost her soul mate.
For many years Mick and Bridget were regular visitors to near-by Bowe’s and Dunnes public houses and they loved nothing more than meeting up with family, neighbours and friends and enjoying great chats, sing-songs and craic as they chewed over the fat of the week. With Micks interest in, and involvement with, Thurles Sarsfields, there was always plenty to talk about – he was also a founding member of Dúrlas Óg juvenile GAA club – and his involvement in the club long after his playing days ended, could only have been possible with the support of Bridget at home. She kept the welcoming and warm home in order and ensured that all of the necessities were in place for the family.
Bridget Murphy will be missed in Iona Avenue and in Thurles. Her passing is most deeply regretted by her loving sons Paul, Aidan and Michael, daughters Fiona and Ciara, grandchildren, sons-in-law Thomas and Mark, daughters-in-law Valerie, Tracy and Breda, brother Billy, sisters Nell and Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Indeed, her popularity was reflected in the attendance at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Thurles as she lay in repose before her funeral cortege made its way to Bohernanave Church for Requiem Mass. There again, a large attendance witnessed a celebration of the life of Bridget Murphy before she was conveyed to St Patrick’s Cemetery where she was laid to rest.
In the company of her husband Mick, may she now enjoy the peace of Heaven she strived for throughout her life.