Bridget Reaney
Murneen, Claremorris
THE recent death of Bridget Reaney, Murneen, Claremorris evoked sadness and regret throughout the local community. Bridgie, who resided with her son Martin and his wife Una, took ill and died suddenly while out walking near her home.
Formerly Flatley from Harefield, Mayo Abbey, Bridgie, who was in her late 80s, was one of a family of four and was the last surviving member of her generation of the Flatley family. She was predeceased by her sister May (Finn) and brother John several years ago and also by her brother Pat who died last October just a few months short of his 100th birthday.
She married Paddy Reaney from Murneen and she came to live in the village in 1958. At the time, the ESB had not reached Murneen and it would take another two or three years before the “light” came to the area.
They raised a family of three, sons Ger and Martin and daughter Maura. Paddy was an employee of CIE in Claremorris for over 40 years where he worked on the railway. The Reaney family, like many more in the general Murneen area, had a strong connection with CIE down through the years. Paddy’s brother Tommy also worked with the company while his sister May ran the local Post office in Murneen.
Bridgie took a keen interest in the land and farming and tended to the livestock in former years while Paddy worked on the railway. She had a great affinity with the land and nature and loved the peace and quiet of the countrywide.
Bridgie was a gentle and gracious lady whose pleasant manner endeared her to all. She personified kindness and goodness and had a lovely tranquil and serene nature. It was easy to feel at home in her company and everyone who called to the family home was aware of that special welcome and hospitality which came so natural to her.
Bridgie, who lived through many great changes in Irish life and society over the decades, was a great neighbour and friend who commanded the height of regard and respect in the community. She was imbued with a strong Christian faith which was very much at the heart of her daily life and to which she remained steadfast and true all her life.
A wake was held in the family home and friends and neighbours joined the family to pay their respects to a lady who was very highly regarded in the locality.
Removal took place to Barnacarroll Church. Fr Peter Gannon was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass and he was assisted by Fr Tommy Commins and Fr Austin Fergus. In a tribute at the end of the Mass, Ger reflected on the long life of his mother and her great affinity with Murneen and the people of the locality down through the decades.
Bridgie, who was predeceased by her husband Paddy in 1991, is survived by her sons Ger (Bantry, Co Cork) and Martin (Murneen), daughter Maura (Manulla), in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.