'A legend leaves us' - Huge sadness after death of beloved Offaly shopkeeper

Edenderry has been plunged into deep sadness after the death of beloved shopkeeper Bernie Brady, known affectionately by locals as Mrs Brady. 

A native of Wicklow, Mrs Brady spent over 70 years as a stalwart of business and community on the main street in Edenderry. She served in the shop into her 90s and is being remembered this week as one of the town's last truly iconic figures. Her son Johnny, announced her death on social media.

He wrote: "It’s the end of an era...after 70 years serving the people of Edenderry with a kind word for everyone, our beautiful Mam passed away this morning, peacefully in the wonderful care of Ofalia House."

Mrs Brady's RIP.ie notice says she "passed away peacefully in her 92nd year, surrounded by her loving family in the exceptional and loving care of the staff of Ofalia House, Edenderry."

"She is predeceased by her husband Michael, her brothers Tommy, Tony, Sean and Paddy and her sisters Mary, Angela, Peggy, Theresa, Dolores, Chris and Ester. She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her family: children Michael Og, Joe, Peter, Liz, Johnny and Mag, sister Celeste, her adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and her many friends," the notice continues.

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Mrs Brady was a native of Wicklow. She was born in February 1934 in Donard, a little village located near the Glen of Imaal. From there she moved to Dublin. While living in Dublin and enjoying social dancing, she met the love of her life, Offaly football legend, Mick Brady.

She then joined Mick in Edenderry at the helm of his father's business. Mick passed away in 2015 but now, more than 70 years on, Brady's shop is still part of the heartbeat of Edenderry, home to the Post Office. Mrs Brady remained at the counter into her 90s, helping her sons, Johnny and former Offaly footballer star Peter with the business.

Tributes have been flooding in for Mrs Brady with Edenderry GAA posting: "All at C.L.G. Eadan Doire would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Brady family especially Michael Og, Joe, Peter, Johnny, Liz and Mag on the very sad passing of Mrs Brady.

"The Brady family have a long standing association with Edenderry and Offaly GAA both on and off the playing fields. They have been great supporters of the club down through the years and Mrs Brady was always a great supporter of our weekly Bingo game and especially enjoyed the online game with her family. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam."

Mrs Brady was the Grand Marshall of the Edenderry St Patrick's Day Parade in 2022, a momentous day that was twice delayed due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021. The committee for the parade also led tributes this week:

"Everyone here on the Edenderry Parade Committee are saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs Brady. We were privileged to have her as our Grand Marshal for the 2022 Parade. Our condolences to Mrs Brady’s family."

Hundreds of locals have been adding tributes on RIP.ie and social media. One read: "So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. She was a great woman and is now reunited with her Michael. Her legacy is the wonderful family she has left behind. Condolences to all of you at this time."

Another said: "She was a lovely lady and a pleasure to meet at any time, a kind and caring person who reached out quietly and unknown to many people in this town. May she now reap her eternal reward, rest in peace."

Another customer added: "Sincere condolences to all of Bernie's family, friends and neighbours and all who held her in high regard. I love going into Brady's shop especially when she used to serve me. An absolute lady who will be sorely missed. Thinking of you all."

A further tribute read: "Losing your mother is one of the hardest goodbyes. Mrs Brady was an astute woman who ran a tight ship. She was a devout woman and good mother, who was kind to all. A legend leaves us. May she RiP. My sincere condolences to all of her family and friends."

Funeral Arrangements

Bernie will repose at Larkin's Funeral Home this Monday from 5pm to 8pm with Rosary at 8pm. Her Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday at 1:00pm in St. Mary's Church, Edenderry followed by burial in St. Mary's cemetery. You can also take part in Bernie's Funeral Mass via the webcam link here.