IT is difficult to put into words just how well Bridie Muldoon was thought off.

Big-hearted, jolly and kindly, she was a great neighbour to all in her native Ballinderry.

Bridie was the wife of the late Francie Muldoon and beloved mother of Brian, her only child.

She herself was one of a large family of Jimmy and Cassie Conway of Ballygillen, Ballinderry.

On her marriage to Francie she came to live in Cleneyard, Mullan Road, where she remained until December last year, when she left it for the last time.

She was a very hard worker, a skilful seamstress in the Daintyfit factory in Cookstown, and then having retired, helped her husband and son to run a very successful chip shop, very aptly named 'Bridie's'.

It wasn't all work for Bridie as she lived life to the full. She was a talented dancer, often tripping the light fantastic at weddings and family functions.

A keen dart player, she competed in many local tournaments with great success.

Bridie was known fondly as Big Bridie, a description that summed up her kindness, stature and her general outlook on life.

She was a fervent football fan of Ballinderry Shamrocks and Derry and greatly enjoyed a 'friendly' banter with her Tyrone neighbours.

In later years Bridie's health deteriorated and it is a great credit to Brian and Dolores and her four grand-daughters that she was able to stay in her lovely home until the last.

Bridie Muldoon departed this life on December 14 2022, having reached her eightieth birthday.

She will be missed but we are all the richer for having known her. May she rest in peace.

Mary O'Neill