Funeral held for singer Bridie

Published Wednesday, 11 January 2012
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Mourners have paid their respects to Irish ballad singer Bridie Gallagher at her funeral in south Belfast.

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The 87-year-old, who was credited as Ireland's first pop star, passed away on Monday.

Friends and family gathered at St Bridget's Church in the city on Wednesday morning to celebrate the life of the singer known as The Girl from Donegal.

Bridie Gallagher shot to fame in the 1950s with her recording of 'A Mother's Love's a Blessing' and enjoyed a distinguished music career spanning six decades.

She was born near Creeslough in Co Donegal in 1924 but was later based in Belfast, where she met her husband George Livingstone and raised their family.

The famed singer toured the world playing on some of the biggest stages and still holds the record for the biggest audience in London's Albert Hall.

In a UTV programme about her life, which was broadcast in December, Bridie Gallagher spoke about her work and what it meant to her.

She said: "I started singing when I was at school and I became known as the best singer and I joined the choir and went on from there.

"Fourteen was the age you stopped school then. I joined a touring group, the O'Sheas. I was told by my parents that it was okay as long as they looked after me as I was too young to be on the road on my own.

"I always remember going to Times Square and I felt I really made it. I played to packed houses everywhere."

After the service in Belfast, Bridie Gallagher was buried in Creeslough in her beloved Donegal.

© UTV News
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6 Comments
Patricia Daly in Winnipeg, Canada wrote (125 days ago):
It was a pleasure working with you in the fifties Bridie. And I'm so glad we reconnected about five years ago and had so much fun looking back on our time together. I'm going to Ireland in May and was hoping to see you again - I will visit you in Cresslough. The Irish cottage painting which you gave to Patrick and me is hanging on our wall and will forever remind me of the great times we had touring Ireland. Pat York ps My computer crashed so I lost your e-mail address Jim. My condolences to you and yours.
John Francis in Lisburn ni wrote (132 days ago):
I was very saddened to here of the passing of Bridie Gallaher I first met Bridie as a young lad working in the co- op store on the Stranmillis road. My first job after leaving school Bridie always made time and always had a kind word for everyone who knew her God bless Bridie Rest in peace in your beautiful Creslough
Sean Kennedy in Derby, England wrote (132 days ago):
Thanks for your wonderful singing, the memories of you singing in Burt Hall,Donegal, many years ago. May God now take care of Bridie, R.I.P.
BRENDA JORDAN in lisburn wrote (133 days ago):
REST IN PEACE BRIDIE YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST XX
Marita in Meath wrote (133 days ago):
Bridie, thanks for the memories. Will visit you regulary at Doe. RIP
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