Northern Ireland

Brenda Mulgrew: Gifted Co Tyrone singer could 'lift souls' with her voice

Brenda Mulgrew was blessed with a singing voice of rare purity
Brenda Mulgrew was blessed with a singing voice of rare purity Brenda Mulgrew was blessed with a singing voice of rare purity

Brenda Mulgrew was singing from about as early as anyone can remember.

Growing up in Lissan, Co Tyrone, her siblings recall how she would fashion her own stage in the house to belt out the country hits of the day.

As a teenager her father provided an actual stage in the form of Clubland in Cookstown, the music venue he and his son later Raymond later ran.

All the big bands passed through its doors, with some singers even staying in their home above the Black Horse pub.

Soon Brenda found herself called up for songs by the likes of Philomena Begley and even filling in for Brian Coll and other acts when they were unavailable.

She went on to forge her own career, releasing a series of records and penning her own songs.

She was blessed with a voice of rare clarity and purity. When singing at funerals, the depth of emotion she brought to hymns such as How Great Thou Art would bring tears to eyes.

Equally, at weddings and other social functions Brenda's natural way with people gave her an ability to strip them of their inhibitions and get them out enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

There had been music on both sides of the family, with her grandmother Rose Ann Mulgrew having a beautiful voice and her other grandmother Mary Anne McGarrity playing the melodeon.

Someone who also provided great encouragement was her teacher Mary Smith at Lissan primary school, who would bring Brenda to feises and any other opportunity to share her gift.

She remained a constant supporter, compiling scrapbooks of her career.

While her singing brought her around the country, Brenda lived in Cookstown most of her adult life and was a hugely popular figure in the town.

She was a people person, showing kindness to family and friends but also able keep the craic going.

Brenda Mulgrew died aged 54 on December 7
Brenda Mulgrew died aged 54 on December 7 Brenda Mulgrew died aged 54 on December 7

She loved to look her best and wanted others to feel good too - she was the type of person who always left you in a positive mood.

At her funeral in Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown, family friend Fr Michael Cusack, rector of the Redemptorist community in Dundalk, said she had an incredible talent.

"I found her a wonderfully happy person, full of joy and life, and she always loved the craic - she was fun-loving in so many ways," he said.

"Brenda was a fantastically gifted person and maybe didn't even realise how good she was.

"She was so generous and people loved her company. She could light up a room and when she sang, souls were lifted."

Brenda Mulgrew died aged 54 on December 7 and her Requiem Mass featured a beautiful performance of her own composition The Brightest Star by her niece Maeve Glackin.

The congregation also joined together for How Great Thou Art, which Brenda had sung at the funerals of her parents Brendan and Rose and her brother Raymond.

As her coffin was brought from the church, a recording of Brenda singing Rod Stewart's Sailing was played.

Brenda is survived by her siblings Annette, Brendan, Damian, Maria and Catherine.

Her month's mind Mass will be celebrated at 6pm on Saturday January 5 at Holy Trinity Church.