Bridget O’Brien cuts the ribbon with her husband Kevin and family and friends at the start of the tractor run on Sunday last. Photos by John McCauley

Biddy’s Road to Recovery Tractor Run, Ballinagore

Published: Sat 6 May 2023, 3:49 PM

Last updated: Sat 6 May 2023, 3:58 PM

The community of Ballinagore held ‘Biddy’s Road to Recovery Tractor Run' on Sunday last as a tribute to, and a fundraiser for, their friend Bridget O’Brien.

Originally from Tullyallen, County Louth, Bridget has been living in Ballinagore for more than 20 years, and working as a carer for 23 years. Bridget suffered a stroke on July 10 last year, which left her in ICU fighting for her life. Through determination, strength and fighting spirit, she had started to recover and after weeks of intense physio, she returned home, facing a long road, but with hopes of a full recovery.

Paddy Devine, Theresa Claffey and Anne Devine, Biddy’s family.

Sadly, only four days later Bridget had another stroke, this time a much more severe one. She lost the power in her arms and legs and lost her speech and swallow.

She spent a month in Mullingar hospital and when her condition stabilised, she was transferred to St Mary’s rehab in Mullingar. After about five months of hard work there Bridget was able to go home again.

And since then Bridget has progressed so much that she is now walking with the aid of a frame. Now, Bridget is ready to start the next stage of her recovery at Dun Laoghaire National Rehabilitation Hospital, where she was due to go this morning (Tuesday), with the hope of making a full recovery.

On GoFundMe, the organisers of the fundraisers for Bridget wrote: “We have set up this fundraising account to help our beautiful friend Biddy. She is a pillar of our community; running our Tidy Towns, participating in various Scór acts and always there to offer healing to anyone in need. Now our friend needs us.”

The funds are going to Bridget and her husband Kevin to make modifications to their home to accommodate her needs as she recovers, and to provide assistance.

“Biddy is a wonderful, loving wife, a caring mother, an adored Nana, a cherished sister and an amazing friend to anyone who has had the pleasure to know and love her. We miss her infectious laugh and divilment around the village.

“If you can give any donation it will be greatly appreciated by Biddy and Kevin. Best of luck Biddy. We love you!”