Limerick says goodbye to a true Limerick Lady, Bridie Breen

Bridie Breen is remembered for her love, culture, and inspiration as Limerick says goodbye to a true Limerick Lady.

A true Limerick Lady, the much-loved Bridie Breen has passed away and will be remembered for leaving a legacy of love, culture, and inspiration for those who knew her

Bridie Breen aged 103 has passed away peacefully at Corbally House Nursing Home where she resided for a number of years.

Bridie Breen, a cherished Limerick legend, born in 1921, where the Limerick Chamber of Commerce building is now on O’Connell Street, will be remembered for her kindness, love, and her contribution and support for the Limerick arts.

Bridie was a proud mother to two sons and played her role in inspiring them to go on to careers where they made incredible contributions to the local and national arts scene.

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Bridie, whose parents were caretakers and lived at the Chamber of Commerce in the 1920s, also worked for an outdoor catering company, servicing horse shows at the Greenpark Racecourse. Bridie was also a champion Irish dancer, along with her older brother Jack, stepping out for Halpin’s School of Irish Dancing.

She was well-known in Limerick business circles. In 1954 she purchased the old Country Club and developed it to become the Cecil Hotel on Cecil Street, which Bridie ran for many years. Married to the late publican Myles Breen Senior, of Myles Breen’s bar on Shannon Street, Limerick City, which was opened by the couple shortly after being married until selling the premises in 1986.

Her son, Myles Breen, a celebrated performer in Limerick, fondly recalls the profound impact his mother had on his life. Her passion for theatre, music, and dance was not just a personal interest but helped her nurture and drive her children’s journeys in creativity.

Speaking of his loving mother’s influence, Myles Breen has said in the past, “When we were young, my mother was really into theatre, music and dancing so she dragged us along to everything, everything, made us do Irish dancing and piano.”

That love of theatre and dance only unfolded in multitudes as the years passed by, and Myles recalls her dragging him and his brother John to the Cecilian Musical Society, the Coliseum Cinema and the Savoy Theatre.

“That’s how the love of theatre fostered for both of us. She introduced us to it all,” the Bottom Dog Theatre Company owner intimated.

Her other son, John Breen, is an accomplished playwright, renowned for “Alone it Stands”, the story of Munster’s legendary victory over the All Blacks and Bridie’s love of culture can be seen in his works which includes ‘Charlie’.

Even into her 90s, Bridie maintained an active social life, embodying a zest for life that inspired those around her and in 2024 celebrated her 103rd birthday which was marked with a special honour from President Michael D Higgins.

Bridie’s key to a good life, was a thriving social one, something she was adamant about even into her mid-90s.

The Active Retirement Group in St Joseph’s Parish played a huge part in this as well as her old Walking Club, which she was active in until her mid-90s.

On one occasion, Myles added, she led them in the St Patrick’s Parade in the city, serving as their acting President at the time.

This amazing woman has been a stalwart in both business and social circles in Limerick for time immemorial. Our thoughts and prayers are with Myles and family at this time.

Bridie is survived by Myles, John, Catherine, Larry, Mary, Eileen, Anne and Michael, their partners, children and grandchildren, extended family and friends.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Myles, brother Jack and Baby James.

Bridie will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street on Wednesday (6th November) from 5pm to 6.30pm. 

Funeral arriving at St. Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue on Thursday (7th November) for Requiem Mass at 11.30am followed by burial in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Dementia Ireland.