The late Bridget Tormey

With the death of Mrs. Bridget Tormey, of Main Street, Tyrrellspass, on August 4, Westmeath lost one of its most senior citizens, for Mrs. Tormey was 87, or, as she would have told people herself, “87 and a half”.Three years ago, Mrs. Tormey hit the headlines when she was invited to 10 Downing Street by the then British PM, Gordon Brown, to a reception for war veterans and their families or survivors. Bridget was invited as widow of the late Ned Tormey, who died in 1975. Ned - along with his four brothers - all left Tyrrellspass to fight in the First World War. Of the five, only three returned from the war, and two of those were injured, including Ned, who received a shot to the hand.When Mrs. Tormey received her invitation to Downing Street, the family had just four days to make arrangements to get Mrs. Tormey to London, but thanks to the help of local man, Ben Keegan, Mrs. Tormey had to make her way just to the village green in Tyrrellspass, where a helicopter was waiting for her and her daughter Mary Donoghue.Together with Mr. Keegan, the two travelled to Abbeyshrule, where a private plane flew the trio to London.Mrs. Donoghue recalls that both Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah were very warm and welcoming people, and were very nice to her mother during what was a very special occasion.Mrs. Tormey was a native of Ring, Tyrrellspass. She was a devoted family woman, who loved nothing more than visits from her children, grandchildren and indeed greatchildren; and who greatly enjoyed playing cards. She was also a woman who was deeply committed to her faith.As well as being predeceased by her husband in 1975, Mrs. Tormey lost a son, Richard, four years ago.She is survived by her son Eamon, who lives in Tyrrellspass; by her daughters Anne Burns, of Bracknagh, Rathangan and Mary Donohoe, Tyrrellspass - with whom Mrs. Tormey had been living.She is also survived by her brother, Billy Feery, of Ring, Tyrrellspass.The removal took place from Mrs. Tormey’s residence to St. Stephen’s Church, Tyrrellspass, where the remains were greeted by Fr. Brendan Ferris. Fr. Ferris also celebrated the funeral Mass, following which the remains were interred in the local cemetery.