A noble advocate of Ireland
The Irish cultural movement and in particular Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann were stunned to learn of the tragic death in a road accident of Bríd Bean de Brún - ‘a noble and effective advocate of Ireland.’ Bríd was on her way to a meeting of the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann committee in Ballina when the accident occurred. Bríd served as an officer of Comhaltas at many levels from local to national. At the time of her death she was Secretary of the Coiste Rince of the Ardchomhairle. She was a noted adjudicator and her work in the promotion of the Irish Language was widely acknowledged. The large and representative attendance at her funeral was testimony of her standing at local and national level. The Mass, which was celebrated by her nephew Fr O’Hara, included the readings which Bríd, during her life, had selected for her funeral. The singing of Máirin de Brún was particularly poignant and elevating.
Service to Others
In a graveside oration Senator Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas said - We have lost a great friend and Ireland has lost a noble and effective advocate. Bríd de Brún in her beliefs and in her work personified all that was best in the Irish character. Is cinnte nach mbeidh a leitheid ann arís.
For over half a century this indomitable lady travelled the length and breadth of Ireland in the cause of our national identity - teaching, adjudicating, advising and, above all, motivating. The word ‘no’ did not figure in her vocabulary when others sought her help. Service to others’ might well have been Brid’s motto. She served at every level of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri’ Eireann - from local to national. At the time of her death she was Secretary of the national Coiste Rince and she represented this committee on the Ardchomhairle.
Bríd de Brún’s service as an adjudicator at Fleadhanna Cheoil, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Scór and other events is legendary. Her vast store of knowledge quipped her so well to guide others on the road to excellence. She was particularly noted for her work among young competitors whom she encouraged with kindness and sensitivity.
Bríd was ladylike, courteous and a charming personality. She exuded a warmth and enthusiasm which was infectious. She was ever youthful in her outlook and lifted the spirits of others at the time of greatest challenge. As with our native music song and dance, the Irish Language had no greater advocate than Bríd Bean de Brún. Together with Seamus and their family they were a model example in the promotion of ‘teanga bhinn na nGael’.
A Reassuring Dignity
Bríd and Seamus were venerable pillars of the Irish cultural movement possessing a dignity which was reassuring and edifying. Their vast circle of friends and admirers were ever consistent in their praise of this exceptional duo who have left an indelible mark on the cultural life of the nation. Bríd and Séamus had an unshakeable Christian faith which was delicately interwoven with their cultural heritage.
God, family and country were central to all their aspirations and endeavours. Mairín, Tadhg and Finian in turn echo these sentiments in their lives and in their devotion to their parents.
It was significant that Bríd was called to Heaven while in the service of her people. This was when she was travelling to a Fleadh Cheoil meeting in Ballina, exerting every ounce of energy - not conscious of years - to give her final support in promoting a culture which she saw as conducive to a wholesome way of life.
To Séamus and family, Senator O Murchu concluded, we extend our sympathy but above all our appreciation for sharing Bríd with us as a colleague for so many years. Our memories of this gracious lady will remain with us throughout our lives. Her knowing smile; her strength of character; her gems of wisdom; and her perceptive commentaries will be her living monument permeating the on-going cultural activities which she so much loved and revered.
Ni bheidh a leitheid ann arís ach beidh Bríd de Brún i gcónai mar lóchrann an dóchais duinn ar an ród seo romhainn. Ni dhéanfar dearmad riamh uirthi ná ar an fobairt a dhéin sí ar son na hEireann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal Gaelach.
