Louth Obituary: Briege Kearney, Blackrock

Briege Kearney, née Mc Geeney, late of Sandfield Gardens, Blackrock, who died peacefully in St Peter's Nursing Home, Castlebellingham on October 3rd, 2025, was a native of Piedmont. Born in 1935, she was the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth McGeeney Having received her primary education in Rampark N.S., she then travelled to Dundalk to attend the Technical School, then situated in Chapel Street, where she excelled at typing and shorthand, which were very important skills in the days before computers. She joined the staff of P.J. Carroll and Company, working in the office, and she enjoyed the various roles she held there very much.

Briege was heavily involved in parish activities during these years, and joined many committees in the parish. She was also a member of Lordship church choir, and the local Muintir na Tíre group, and loved dancing, social events and musical evenings.
It was in Carrolls that Briege met her future husband Liam, a native of Whitestown, but, after a short spell in Templetown, it was in Piedmont that they built their family home.

As was typical of the time, Briege worked as a home-maker, and relished being at home and engaging in gardening, jam-making, reading, embroidery and many other domestic activities, which were further nurtured by her involvement in the local I.C.A guild, of which she was branch secretary for a time. She and Liam enjoyed attending plays in the Maytime Festival, and operas in Dublin, not to mention concerts and performances locally and further afield.
A life-long member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Briege had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart,and undertook pilgrimages to Knock and Lourdes.

Liam and Briege moved to Blackrock over 20 years ago to be nearer to their daughters, and their families, and she adjusted to her new surroundings with energy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed attending Mass in the local church, and the convenience of village life. She joined the Blackrock branch of the I.C.A and was a regular attendee at the keep-fit classes in Blackrock Community Centre.

Throughout her life, she was blessed with a sharp intellect and the gift of engaging conversation and she very much enjoyed discussions about current affairs and politics, or, indeed, any topic of the day, remaining curious and informed on national and world affairs up to and including her final days. She relished in the successes of her children and grandchildren, and followed their paths every step of the way.

Briege spent the last three years of her life in St Peter's Nursing Home, Castlebellingham, where she was a popular resident, and was lovingly cared for. She was involved in the many activities that were on offer there. While physically challenged, she remained as stylish and elegant as she had always been. She was the centre of her family, and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

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Briege is survived by her son William (Galway), daughters Anne and Edel, (Blackrock) son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Louise, Brendan, grandchildren Malachi, Fionnuala, Ferdia, Tiarnán, Éilis, Robyn and Harry, relatives and many friends.
After reposing in the Serenity Room at Quinn's Funeral Home, Briege’s remains were removed to St. Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Blackrock, where Very Rev. Fr. Pádraig Keenan, P.P and Rev. Fr. Ryan Holovlasky C.S.s.R, (St Joseph's Redemptorist Church) concelebrated Requiem Mass. They were joined on the altar by Deacon Tony Larkin (Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone)

The readings were given by son William and daughter Anne, while prayers of intercession were led by Malachi, Ferdia and Tiarnán Quinn, (grandsons) and by Éilis Duffy (granddaughter). The offertory gifts were presented by John and Anne Quinn (daughter and son-in-law) Daughter Edel and granddaughter Éilis played a moving rendition of “Ashokan Farewell” on violins and words of thanks and eulogy were delivered by Malachi Quinn (grandson). The beautiful music during the Mass was provided by the choir of St Joseph's Redemptorist Church, Dundalk, accompanied by their musical director Trevor Clarke.
Burial took place in Haggardstown Cemetery.