Bridget O’Dowd (née Farrelly), a native of Oldcastle, Co. Meath, passed away peacefully at University Hospital Galway. Her passing marks the loss of a woman described by her family as a kind and gentle soul, leaving behind a wide circle of relatives and friends across Galway City and beyond.
The death notice of Bridget O’Dowd (née Farrelly) confirms that she was surrounded by the care of hospital staff during her final moments. She is predeceased by her parents, Connie and Margaret, as well as her brother, Brian.
Bridget is survived by her husband, Willie, and their son, Alan, along with daughter-in-law Tina. She was a devoted grandmother to Max and Gracie. Her extended family includes her sister Mollie and brothers Connie, Paddy, Michael, Gerard, and Peter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Funeral Arrangements and Commemoration
Family and friends will gather to pay their respects on Wednesday, April 15. Reposing will take place at Irwin’s Funeral Home on Bóthar Irwin (H91 CK84) from 5:00 p.m. Until 6:30 p.m. For those attending the funeral home, the family has noted that ample parking is available at the Corrib Shopping Centre Multi-Story Car Park (H91 DP6R), located a two-minute walk from the facility via Bóthar Na mBan.
The religious service for Bridget will be held on Thursday, April 16. A Requiem Mass is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. At The Good Shepherd Church in Doughiska (H91 DKF7), where the community will gather to celebrate her life and legacy.
Following the Mass, a cremation service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. At the Shannon Crematorium in County Clare (V14 PV30). To accommodate those unable to travel or attend in person, the service in Shannon will be live-streamed.
Live-Streaming Access Details
Individuals wishing to view the service remotely are advised to visit the official Shannon Crematorium website. The feed will become active a few minutes before the 3:00 p.m. Start time. Access requires the password TBG4. The family has clarified that no recordings of the service will be made at the source.
Family Requests and Condolences
In accordance with the family’s wishes, the home will remain private. Those wishing to express their sympathy are asked to observe this request. The family has specified that flowers should be limited to family members only.
For those seeking to offer messages of support, a book of condolence has been established. The family has expressed their gratitude for the kindness and support shown to them during this difficult period.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reposing | Wednesday, April 15 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Irwin’s Funeral Home, Galway |
| Requiem Mass | Thursday, April 16 | 12:30 p.m. | The Good Shepherd Church, Doughiska |
| Cremation | Thursday, April 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Shannon Crematorium, Co. Clare |
The loss of Bridget O’Dowd reflects a connection between the community of Oldcastle in Meath and the city of Galway, where she spent her later years. The transition from the requiem mass in Doughiska to the final rites in County Clare underscores the geographic reach of the family’s network.
As the community prepares for the upcoming services, the focus remains on the “kind and gentle soul” of a woman who was a pillar for her husband, children, and grandchildren. The logistical arrangements, from the specific parking guidance at the Corrib Shopping Centre to the digital access for the cremation, aim to provide a seamless experience for mourners during a time of grief.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the family and community will be the Requiem Mass at The Good Shepherd Church on Thursday afternoon, followed by the final service in Shannon.
We invite you to share your memories or offer your condolences in the comments below.
