The late Bridget Sweeney, Arlands, remembered for her 'good humour and fun nature'

West Donegal lost one of its most popular people with the passing last month of Mrs Bridget Sweeney, Arlands, Burtonport.

Bridget had just past the age of 71 recently and had been unwell for a period previous to her passing. A native of Arlands, she was a member of a well-known local family and daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Neil and Mary Monica Bonner.

Bridget went to work in Scotland in her youth and while there, met her first husband Patrick O'Donnell from Ard Crone, Annagry.

Unfortunately, Patrick died in an accident in 1980, leaving behind Bridget and both daughters Grace and Noreen. They moved back home in 1986 and lived in Roshine, before moving shortly after to their family home in Arlands.

A most industrious and hardworking person, she ran the famous “Scrumptious” cafe in Dungloe and had other jobs, before taking up employment in PCL Dungloe in 1996. She was a very popular staff member there and worked there up until her retirement in 2020.

She also worked as a volunteer in the Saint Vincent De Paul shop in Dungloe. Bridget commenced playing bridge some 12 years ago and was a member of the Dungloe Bridge Club, making many friends there. She was a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and she took great interest and pride in her family.

She will be remembered for her good humour and fun nature. She enjoyed staff nights out with work colleagues and another highlight of her year was her holidays in the sun. An outstanding neighbour, she was very popular with all age groups and her passing leaves a huge void in Arlands and the surrounding areas.

Her funeral took place in a packed St. Columba's Church and her burial took place in Belcruit Cemetery. Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Pat Ward, P.P, assisted by Rev. Fr. John Joe Duffy, C.C, who officiated at the graveside. Soloist at the mass was Deborah Melly, accompanied on guitar by Joe Rodgers.

Readers at the mass were Marion and Fiona Gallagher (nieces). The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by her sisters Anne and Margaret and also by her lifelong friend Anna Breen. At the end of the mass, her nephew Martin Ferry paid a glowing tribute to her in the reflection.

Bridget is survived by her husband Jimmy Sweeney, daughters Grace and Noreen, sisters Mrs Anne Harley and Mrs. Margaret Ferry, son-in-law Mo, grandsons Yusef and Zach, in-laws, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. “May you have eternal rest, Bridget, in Belcruit Cemetery, by the sea”.