Warm tribute to esteemed McHale Road resident

THERE is a unique bond of loyalty and friendship between neighbours and friends in McHale Road, Castlebar.

Large families have been reared in McHale Road since the housing estate was opened in 1935.

Those families came from various parts of Castlebar, young couples who quickly made friends with one another and reared fine families.

One such family was that of Jim and Delia Halligan, who previously lived in Tucker Street and took up residence in 33 McHale Road in 1935.

Jim and Delia raised a fine family and I was privileged to be their neighbour for many years.

When Breege Redmond, their daughter, passed away it was in some ways the end of an era as sadly many of her old neighbours have gone to rest.

The patter of little feet and the excitement of children at No. 33 McHale Road have now gone silent.

Breege married Vinnie Redmond from the bacon factory end of McHale Road and they set up home at No. 33 where they raised a fine family. Vinnie was son of Joe and Catherine Redmond.

Like so many young women from McHale Road, Breege Redmond joined the staff of Castlebar bacon factory, where she was a dedicated worker, popular with her colleagues and management.

Breege was totally devoted to the welfare and progress of her family, a credit to her and her husband Vincent, who was on the staff of Bord Telecom in Castlebar for many years and a founder member of Road Rangers Soccer Club.

Breege had been ill for some time, but she never complained, showing great patience and understanding; her first thoughts were for her children and grandchildren.

She always ensured that only the best was good enough for them and she was willing to go the extra mile and make many sacrifices on their behalf. They will have happy memories of Breege and Vincent, two outstanding parents.

Breege’s father, Jim Halligan, came from a very old and esteemed Castlebar family and her mother, formerly Delia Keane, was a native of Newport, a school pal of my late mother.

Jim Halligan worked in the old County Home in Castlebar for many years, a workmate of William Jordan and George Rance, his neighbours from McHale Road.

Breege Redmond will be genuinely missed by all those privileged to share her friendship over the years. She will be especially missed by her family, to whom she was a totally dedicated mother, a woman of integrity and decency, a model wife, mother and grandmother.

Peace to her noble soul. May the heavens be her bed.

Sympathy is tendered to Breege’s family, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and other relatives.

Her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary and burial took place in the New Cemetery after Mass celebrated by Fr. Chas. Guthrie, an old family friend.

Fr. Chas. spoke in glowing terms of Breege Redmond’s many outstanding qualities and her deep commitment to her family.

Chief mourners: Philip, John, Martin, Kieran, Joe and Adrian (sons); Cinta (daughter); Gerard, Martin, Joe, Bernard, Brian (brothers); Nora, Julia, Mary, Ann and Jacinta (sisters); grandchildren, in-laws and other relatives.

Breege’s daughter Linda passed away some years ago, as did her sisters, Teresa and Kathleen, and brother John.

                                                                                                      -J.