Published: Wednesday, 9th June, 2010 5:00pm

Mrs. Brigid Murray, Billis

The late Brigid Murray.

The death occurred recently of Mrs. Bridget Murray (nee McGirl), Billis, Cavan and formerly Jubilee Terrace, after a long illness. Originally from Ballyjamesduff, Bridget came to work in Tommy Young's, Ashe Street, Cavan, in her early teens.

She was an extremely industrious woman and worked in Woolworth's for 27 years. She was often referred to as Mrs. Murray of Woolworth's. A staunch republican, she was for many years an active member of the Roger Casement cumann. She was on first name terms with many of the republican leadership including Gerry Adams and Joe Cahill. Her grandson, Rossa, was recently elected a Sinn Féin councillor on Bray Town Council something of which she was very proud.

Bridget was vice president of Cavan Gaels GFC, an avid supporter in good times and bad, taking a very active part in the promotion of the weekly bingo fundraiser in the Town Hall. It had become a ritual in recent years that the Oliver Plunkett Cup be brought to Bridget on the Monday following a senior championship final victory - to pay tribute to this great woman who epitomised the spirit and determination necessary to achieve these triumphs. Her son, Paddy, is presently secretary of the Cavan Gaels club. In the mid 70s, she was to the forefront in the formation of the Cavan Gaels supporters club. She was also an active member of the Breffni Boys' Band committee.

For many years, she was the leading figure and secretary of the committee in the struggle to provide a swimming pool for Cavan town.

In retirement and old age she never lost heart and she was always a joy to meet and converse with during her long sojourn in confinement in her own home and later in St. Joseph's, Lisdarn.

A woman with a deep religious faith, Bridget was a daily mass goer all of her active life. She made several pilgrimages to Lourdes and to Padre Pio's resting place in San Giovanni, Italy. She also made a memorable pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Her family were the centre of her life and she adored her children, her 20 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

As the dreadful weather conditions prevailed with drifts of snow and sleet, a large crowd turned out for the removal from McMahon's funeral home. The cortege was led by a lone piper and a guard of honour was provided by both Cavan Gaels GFC and by Sinn Féin. Predeceased by her husband, Michael and a son, John Pius in infancy she is survived by her sons, Philip, Michael, Paddy; daughters Mary, Rosaleen, Helena and Frances; sisters Kitsy (Ballyjamesduff), Phylis (Belturbet) and brother Johnny (England).

Interment followed concelebrated Requiem Mass in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Phelim where traditional music was played by Martin Donohoe and family. Hymns were beautifully sung by Teresa and Ann McKiernan. Burial took place in Cullies Cemetery where Caoimhghin O Caolain, TD for Cavan/Monaghan, gave a very moving oration at the graveside. Go ndeanea Dia trocaire uirthi.