There was a sense of unbelief in Bennettsbridge village when the sad news of the death of Breda Walsh, Main Street broke on 22nd December. Her unexpected death at her home so close to Christmas was heard of with regret in the entire community and beyond.
Breda was a native of Kilmacar, Conahy and was one of seven children born to Michael and Bridget Healy. She was well known in the bar and grocery trade having started her working life in Maudlin Stores, Conahy. From there she served her time in Loughlin’s, Gowran and later took over the popular Pike Bar on the Dublin Road. Her services were also welcomed in the Corner House.
In 1963 the family moved to Main Street Bennettsbridge. She was widowed in 1983 when her husband Jim sadly passed away. Breda was left with the care of a family of eight, a task which she carried out admirably.
She was a very popular woman in the parish and her sympathetic and generous nature made her a favourite with young and old. The on-line condolence section bore testimony to this and many messages included individual stories of people who experienced at first hand her kindness and listening ear. Above all she was a homemaker and lived for her family. She had reached the great age of 90 years, and her life was lived to the full. The achievements of her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren were very important to her.
In the era before mobile phones, the phone box in the street just outside Breda’s house was an important method of communication. There was always some member of the Walsh family to answer it and pass on a message. Some friends will also remember Breda and the happy times enjoyed during seasonal work in Breen’s apple field and the hops in Mosse’s. She had a great interest in sport particularly GAA and soccer, with Man Utd being her favourite club. She was a loyal supporter of all parish activities.
Known to most as Mrs Walsh of the Street, Bennettsbridge has lost one of its oldest parishioners and the Street will be all the poorer for her passing.
Breda lay in repose in the home of her daughter, Margaret and a steady stream of extended family, neighbours and friends came to pay their final respects. It was a source of comfort to the family as memories were shared over the hours. Vigil prayers were recited by Fr Willie Purcell.
The remains were removed and a guard of honour comprising East End United, neighbours and friends escorted Breda on her final journey to St Bennett’s Church.
It was one of the biggest funerals seen in Bennettsbridge for some time and a fitting tribute for an exceptional woman. The remains were received by Fr Willie Purcell and Fr Pat Dalton
Requiem Mass was con-celebrated by Fr. Willie Purcell, Fr. Pat Dalton, Fr. Richard Delahunty, Fr. Derek Miskella, Br. Dermot (Redemptorist Order, Limerick). Fr. Purcell welcomed everybody to the celebration of Breda’s life, a life where her religion played an important part. He welcomed the priests from the Redemptorist Order. He offered sympathy to her family on their loss especially at Christmas time.
The lessons were read by Bridget Coady(niece)and Ellen Healy(niece). Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Claire, Zoe, Megan, Danielle and Laura(Granddaughter).
The Offertory gifts with narration by Ellen(daughter) reflected Breda’s many interests in life. Granddaughter Amy carried a photo of Breda, daughter Margaret, Prayer book, daughter Bridget, walking stick, daughter-in-law Trisha, Kilkenny hurl, daughter in-law Catherine, deck of cards, daughter Anne family photo, daughter-in-law Ber, Tin of sweets, daughter-in-law Martina, Lighted candle, granddaughter Sarah, Manchester United Jersey. The Bread and Wine were presented by Katie(granddaughter) and Breda Culleton(niece). Music throughout the ceremony was byTom Bolger. Breda’s granddaughter, Julie spoke on behalf of the family and the following is an excerpt taken from her words, “Nanny had 8 children, 20 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, and somehow, she made every single one of us feel special. We are all so blessed to have had her in our lives, and we all carry cherished childhood memories of time spent with her. To us, she truly was the best in the world. Nanny was kind, gentle, loving, and completely selfless. She was the person we could tell our secrets to, knowing they were safe with her forever. She listened without judgment and loved without conditions. It is something so special that her 19 great-grandchildren got to know her too. She adored them. There were always hugs and kisses waiting, and of course, something nice. If you tried to stop her from giving them a biscuit or a piece of chocolate, you were definitely in trouble. That was Nanny, love, warmth, and a little bit of sweetness, always shared. She had a smile for everyone, a beautiful smile. Nanny lived in the middle of our village, and everyone knew her. But really, everyone knew her because she made time for people. She loved to stop and chat, and genuinely enjoyed it. Losing Nanny on the 22nd of December has made this time of year incredibly hard for all of us. Christmas will never feel quite the same. Usually, Christmas Day meant all of us gathering at Nanny’s. She would lay out all her gifts and show us every single one, who they were from and she never forgot anyone. This year, we still gathered at Nanny’s. We shared stories, tears, and laughter, just like always. But there was a feeling that something was missing. Her chair by the fire was empty, and it felt like a part of our lives was missing with it. Nanny, you might not be there in your chair anymore, but your love, your laughter, and your kindness will stay with us always”.
Julia went on to thank the oncology team in Waterford and Kilkenny, the radiation department in Whitfield hospital and Breda’s oncologist Dr. Miriam O’ Connor, Father Willie Purcell for a beautiful funeral service, Paddy and Bridget Coady for their advice, kindness, and support over the past few days and especially for today. Tom Bolger for the beautiful music and singing. To all who helped us in any way, through words, gestures, prayers, or simply being there for us. It has meant a lot. Julie thanked in a special way, the paramedics, the Gardaí, and Fr Duggan, who came to Nanny on the night she passed away. They showed such kindness, compassion, and respect, and helped us through a very difficult time. We will always be very grateful for that.
Granddaughter Maria read a beautiful poem that she wrote for her Nanny on the occasion of her 90th birthday last year. The family held a surprise party for her in Langton’s and Maria read it out to her at that.
Fr Purcell thanked his fellow priests and all who participated in the mass. The funeral left the church to the music of “Going Home”, sung by Tom Bolger. Family, friends and neighbours accompanied the cortege on the final journey to St Bennett’s Cemetery. Following prayers at the graveside, Breda’s granddaughter, Jessie played guitar and sang “Bright Blue Rose” and all joined in the singing.
After the burial the Community Hall provided the ideal venue for family, friends and neighbours to congregate to share memories of an exceptional mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbour.
Breda was predeceased by her husband Jim, brothers Jim, Mikey and Bro. Nicholas, sisters, Julia, Anna, Cathy and Mary, granddaughter Amy, sister-in-law Nellie, and brother-in-law Paddy. She is survived by her sons Liam, Michael, Stephen and Jimmy, and daughters Ellen (Lawlor), Bridget (Dooley), Margaret (Hynes) and Anne (Foley), mother-in-law to Martina, Catherine, Ber, Trisha, Tony, Tom and Davy. A loving grandmother to Mark, Maria, Julie, Claire, Katie, Lisa, Laura, Sarah, Nicola, Danielle, Hannah, Dillon, Zoe, John, Jessie, David, Emily, Amy, Megan and Lucy. Proud great-grandmother to her 19 great-grandchildren. She is also mourned by her nieces, nephews and extended family.
Breda was a cherished neighbour and friend and will be sadly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Rest in Peace Breda.
