Being a long time in camogie, I suppose I knew Bridie McMenamin for well over 20 years; not as a player, but as someone who stood alongside her camogs and footballers, day in and day out; alas, I never played against her in all my time. In my sporting association with Bridie, her major role was getting young players up and going, competing at different levels, and attending board meetings - both for camogie and football. As the busy wife of Gerry and a nurse by profession, whilst also rearing two children - Roisin and Darcy, she still managed to make the time for camogie. indeed, she epitomised the adage about asking a busy person if you wanted something done and done right. Nothing was too difficult for her; she never had to be asked to go to Ulster Council meetings, congress or anywhere which was relating to camogie. She would head off, usually along with Deirdre, to attend all county games from senior level down an d, of course, she would be there for the young ones - especially when her grand-daughter Channon was playing. There were days we had more ups than downs together, but Bridie and I got them sorted out. Sure what sport doesn't have disagreements - and it the making up that is so good. One would wonder how good person like Bridie, who cared for patients, could be struck with a horrible illness. But it was one that she bore with great dignity even though she got such a short few years to enjoy her retirement. The large crowd at the funeral showed the character of the woman, especially the footballers who stewarded the area, showing people where to go as she was waked in her daughter's house. The cortege went past the Tattyreagh football field which she thought she would have lived to see re-opened in October; but she will surely now have a better view from where she has gone. With guards of honour from her young camogs, other camogie clubs, footballers and her nursing mates, the send-off was a fitting testament to her standing in the community, inside and outside of sport. Bridie will be sadly missed. Your suffering is over, Bridie, and may you get the rest in peace you deserve. God will take care of Gerry, Roisin, and Darcy, her grandchildren Channon and Connor and her brothers and sisters who showed great hospitality, especially to myself, and everyone. May she rest in peace. Josie Scullion - The Tyrone Times. 25, September 2007. Tweet

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