The regretted death took place, peacefully at her home at Carrowshee Park, Lisnaskea recently of Bridie McMahon, nee McDonnell, a native of the town. She had been in failing health since July last year. She was 86.

The deceased was one in a family of six and lived her early years in Main Street. She attended the local Moate Primary School and many's a story she told about her school days.

Bridie met and married her late husband, Tommy McMahon, from Clones, in St Mary's church, Maguiresbridge on 8th February, 1956. Tommy was a former member of the McMahon's Dance Band. They began their married life at Munville Cross, then moved to Donagh in the early 70's before returning to Bridie's native Lisnaskea in the early 80's.

The couple were blessed with a son, Seamus, who lived with his mother and three daughters, Una (Martin Brocker), England; Margaret (Seamus Smyth), Lisnaskea and Olivia (Michael Gissane), Monaghan by whom she is survived. She is also survived by her special niece, Mary (Barney McLaughlin), Enniskillen, by her grandchildren, Aoibhinn, Michael and Thomas, her sister-in-law, Betsy and by nieces and nephews.

Bridie loved her family and family life. Even before she wed, she showed the true depth of family love when, after her sister, Kathleen's untimely death in the 1940's, she devoted her life to bringing up Kathleen's daughter, Mary whom she always looked on as one of her own.

The deceased also enjoyed working in the home and was renowned for her knitting and home baking.

Bridie was a deeply religious lady and had a very special devotion to Our Lady, reciting the Rosary daily and going on pilgrimages to Knock.

Following the death of her husband, Tommy in July, 1977, Bridie, who was then living in Donagh, returned to her hometown. There she was able to enjoy her walks into town, to Mass and the shops and she also enjoyed the entertainment provided by the Tuesday Club, including their annual outings.

She had a great passion for quiz programmes and soaps, in particular, Countdown, The Weakest Link, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and, in later years, Deal Or No Deal. And, she loved crosswords.

Bridie always had an open door for her visitors and, in the latter years, particularly for the visits of her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

The removal of her remains from her home to Holy Cross Church on a Sunday evening and the funeral Mass there on the Monday morning were impressively attended. Her remains were carried in turn, from Bridie's late home in the estate to the end of Carrowshee Park by family members and by members of the Fermanagh senior squad with whom the deceased's son, Seamus, a club referee, was a former kitman and by whom he was held in high regard.

Seamus' club, St Patrick's GFC, formed a guard of honour which accompanied the remains all the way to the church.

Canon Joseph Mullin, PP, assisted by the deceased's nephew, Fr Brian McMahon, who is based in England, celebrated the funeral Mass on Monday morning. Karen Connolly was soloist/organist. The burial was in Mount St Oliver Cemetery in Clones alongside the remains of her husband, Tommy.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Magee, Mohan and Murphy.