One of Ireland's oldest residents - a trailblazing Limerick business woman - has died

ONE of the country’s oldest residents - Birdie (Bridget) Skehan has died at the age of 107. 

Ms Skehan lived in Kilmore, Clare, on a family farm, before moving to the North Circular Road in the city. 

The founder of Helene Modes on Roches Street, Ms Skehan ran the popular women’s boutique along with her sister and brother-in-law, the Cusacks.

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Helene Modes first opened in November 1947 and was a vibrant part of the retail fabric of the city centre for almost 70 years. A second outlet was opened in The Crescent Shopping Centre in 1980. 

Ms Skehan’s nephew Terence Cusack continued to run Helene Modes until it closed in 2014 after 67 years in business. 

At the time, in the summer of 2014, Mr Cusack told the Limerick Leader that they “just weren’t getting the footfall” and that “retail is changing, maybe more people are shopping online. I’m just gutted.” 

He added: “It’s tough being an independent retailer.” 

Ms Skehan died peacefully in the care of Ennis Road Care Facility, on Sunday last (November 2, 2025). 

The family have expressed their sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Ennis Road Care Facility for the respect, dignity and kindness shown to Ms Skehan in recent times. 

Anne Maria Moore, proprietor of Ennis Road Care Facility, said it has been their privilege to take care of Birdie for the last number of years.

“She was a pioneering business lady in Limerick city. She was very popular in the care facility and all residents and staff are very saddened at her passing.

“We extend our sympathies to her family and many friends,” said Ms Moore. 

In an interview with The Irish Times in 1998, Ms Skehan said of her dedication to the business: “I open the place every morning and close it every night.

“I'm a perfectionist and have to have things right. The shop is my whole life; I'm married to it.”

Born on March 12, 1918, Ms Skehan is believed to be the fourth oldest person in Ireland, with the oldest person in Ireland believed to be Offaly woman Eileen Hynes who will be 109-years-old, ten days before Christmas. 

Ms Skehan is survived by her loving nieces Helma Lynam, Rhona Levinstone, niece-in-law Sheila Cusack, nephew-in-law Ernest and a wide circle of extended family, neighbours and many friends. 

Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate tomorrow (Wednesday, November 5), from 5pm until 6.30pm, she will be laid to rest on Thursday (November 6) in Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery, after funeral Mass at 11am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road. 

May she rest in peace.