THERE was widespread regret in the wider Rosses area following the recent death of Bridget Ruddy, Lower Keadue, Burtonport, which took place in Dungloe Community Hospital. 

Bridget was in her eighties and had spent some time in Letterkenny University Hospital and more recently in Dungloe Community Hospital, where she received outstanding care and attention. 

A native of Owey Island, she was a member of the well known and highly respected Boyle family. She was predeceased by her youngest son, Paul in 2010 and this was a devastating blow to the family; the following year by her husband, James and Bridget was also predeceased by her sisters, Mary and Josephine and by brothers, Charlie Ban and Jimmy. 

Like many in her area at the time, Mary went to work in Scotland, as an auxiliary nurse  and while there, met her beloved husband James, who was from Culdaff. They later married there and had five children, Eileen, Joe, Seamus, Paul and the youngest child Angela. 

In the early eighties, the Ruddy family moved home to their new house at Keadue. 

There was always a warm welcome for all callers to the Ruddy household. In particular, Bridget enjoyed the visits of her brothers, Tony, Michael, Josie and William and the many phone calls to her sister, Mary in Scotland. 

A native of Owey Island, Bridget was a member of the well known and highly respected Boyle family

Of quiet and kind disposition, Bridget was very popular with all who had the pleasure of knowing her and was an outstanding neighbour. She lived a very good life and was always most grateful to the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, the carers for their house calls and in particular, her daughter, Angela who was always by her side. 

Bridget was a proud Owey lady and was always happy when looking out at her native island. 

Her funeral took place to Cruit Cemetery, following Mass in St Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh, celebrated by Fr Vincent Finnegan, Fr Brian O’Fearraigh and Fr Sean O’Gallachóir, with Fr Vincent officiating at the graveside. 

Readers at the Mass were Bridget’s grandchildren, Dylan and Kelly. Soloist at the Mass was Lara O’Donnell. 

Bridget is survived by her daughters, Angela and Eileen, sons, Joe and Seamus Ruddy, brothers, Josie in Keadue, Tony in Roshine, Michael in Belcruit and William in Gaoth Dobhair, sister, Mary in Scotland, in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a large family circle to whom deepest sympathy is extended. 

At the end of the Mass, her son-in-law, Pauric O’Donnell (J), read a beautiful eulogy as a tribute to Bridget.

– David Alcorn