Murphy Mrs Brid Murphy, Kilteely, Co. Limerick
An Inspirational Person
Brid Murphy, nee O'Dea, died peacefully on April 3, 2009. Born November 10, 1956 to Ted and Breda, Brid was the fourth oldest in a family of six boys and three girls. she was raised in Kilteely and attended the local primary school and later the Presentation De-La-Salle in the neighbouring town of Hospital. She married her childhood sweetheart Philip and they settled in the village to raise their three children Aaron, Michelle and Alison. At the young age of 32, Brid was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease. She battled this disease very bravely and her priority was seeing her children grow, mature and achieve what they wanted in live. She eventually became wheelchair bound; her motto was "Have wheels will travel". She would never stop fighting. Her kindness and humour were appreciated by everyone who came in contact with her. Brid displayed courage in the face of adversity. Her love of life and her common sense were an inspiration for all of us. If you needed someone to listen while you had trouble of your own, Brid was always there and as good a listener as any Samaritan. All of her life, Brid followed Kilteely/Dromkeen hurling and football teams. She travelled the length and breadth of the country to support her beloved Limerick. Nothing stirred her more than a Munster championship match in Thurles, especially when Tipperary were the opposition. We had a great summer in 2007 when we met them three times in three weeks and were finally victorious. She didn't confine her sporting interest to the GAA, Brid supported Leeds United through the good and bad; Munster rugby was her new passion. You dare not open your mouth or change channels when she was watching snooker or tennis on the TV. She had the pleasure of meeting one of her heroes Ken Doherty. In her younger years, she joined the St. Patrick's players Cloverfield and performed in many of their productions. Over seven years ago, Brid's health deteriorated and she was hospitalised for a long period. One day she decided she wanted to go to Milford Hospice and that decision proved another turning point in her life. Brid just loved Milford, the carers, the nurses and the other people she met with similar illnesses. It was 'Home from Home'. She travelled to the Day Care Centre every week where she was pampered and so well cared for, they thought the world of Brid in there. In 2006, Brid became a service user representative on the Palliative Care Self Assessment Team. With this work, Brid would focus on the provision of a service to the highest standards in keeping with the Milford Care Centre's mission. They organised a wonderful choir for her funeral Mass. She loved to travel and see new places and although it was difficult in her later years she still organised her holidays and weekends away. In her earlier years she travelled to Knock Shrine on the bus from the parish and in later years, Brid would make the journey by car. She also liked the simple things in life, a family barbeque or a day in Clonea by the beach. The Internet and email gave her a new lease of life and she had instant contact with her family and friends anywhere in the world. She could email and shop online and so continue to be independent in her daily life. She cherished every day she lived. The main celebrant at Brid's funeral was Fr. Willie Hennessy, PP, a relation and friend of the family who was with Brid and comforted her loved ones during her final hours. We would all like to pay tribute to this wonderful woman, a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbour and best friend. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Brid's Month's Mind Mass will be offered on Sunday, May 3 at 2.30 in her home. All are welcome to attend.