In Memory

Sr. Brid Griffin R.I.P.

Sr. Brid Griffin (Bridget) was born in Cottstown, Dungourney, Co. Cork 20th March 1919.  Her parents were Elizabeth (nee Cronin) and John Griffin.  She had eight brothers and three sisters.  She is survived by her sisters, Ina and Sr. M. Lua and one brother, Arthur.

Brid trained as a General Nurse and Midwife in England where she remained for some years before returning to Ireland.  She continued her nursing career at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.  While there she became acquainted with Sr. Benedict, a Sister of Mercy.  She made known to Sr. Benedict her wishes to enter Religious Life.  The advice she got was for her to join the Sisters of St. John of God.  Brid entered the St. John of God Novitiate Wexford on the 3rd October 1948.  She made her First Profession on 15th May 1951 and her Final Profession on the 15th May 1954.

Following her First Profession Brid nursed in Ely Hospital and Cahercalla Nursing Home, for a short period before being appointed to Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, Co. Down in 1952.  She remained there until 1979.  This period was a time of immense change in the Health Service in Northern Ireland.  As Assistant Matron and later as Matron the implementation of change within the area of nursing was her responsibility.  This was a formidable task, but Brid’s honesty and her ability to meet and relate with people were qualities that helped her to achieve her goals.

Following her retirement from Daisy Hill Hospital, Brid ministered in various capacities including Pastoral Care in Fishponds, Bristol; Housekeeping in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis, Co. Clare and the Irish College, Rome; Local Leadership in Ely Hospital and visitation of the elderly in Kilmore, Co. Wexford.   In 1994 Brid retired to Kilkenny Convent but continued to minister in the Altar Bread Department.

Brid was gifted with a lovely singing voice and was always willing to entertain on celebratory occasions.  She was a very prayerful woman and contributed greatly to community liturgies.  Finally ill health took its toll.  During her illness, which she bore with faith filled endurance, she was lovingly cared for by nurses, carers, Sisters and family members.  She was very close to her family who deeply appreciated her home visits.

Brid died peacefully on 15th July 2014.  Her funeral Mass was concelebrated at St. Patrick’s Church.  Chief celebrant was Fr. Liam Taylor, concelebrants, Cardinal Sean Brady, Frs. Gerard Walsh, Aiden Ryan, Sean O’Donohoe, O.F.M. and Martin Delaney.  She was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery.  We thank God for all she has given generously throughout her life and pray that she now enjoys the fullness of life with God.