Shock at untimely passing of popular local woman

Tributes have been pouring in following the passing of popular local woman, Bernie Began, who was a well-known member of staff of Murtagh Bros Auctioneers, Green Bridge, Mullingar.

Her passing, following a brief illness, came as a shock to the communities of Mullingar, Ballynacargy and Milltown. Bernie’s daughter Bronagh has played with the Milltown ladies senior footballers for a number of years and captained them to senior glory two years ago.

Bernie had a strong connection with the Ballynacargy GAA Club and was a member of the ladies committee down through the years. She was an ever present in Moynihan Park on match days and proud supporter of the club. Her son Mark played football for many years with Ballynacargy and the Beglan family is synonymous with the club.

Bernie's husband, Pat, a retired postman, is a very popular member of the community and people have been lending their support since the shock news of Bernie's passing on Thursday. As a mark of respect, the Ballynacargy vs Kilbeggan Shamrocks IFC game has been postponed to Monday evening, July 22, in TEG Cusack Park (7.30pm).

The offices of Murtagh Bros Auctioneers, Mullingar were closed on Thursday and Friday.

Aside from her keen GAA interest, Bernie's many other interests included music and dancing and was a keen supporter of the Ballynacargy Comhaltas Branch.

The Ballynacargy GAA Club has paid the following tribute:

“Bernie was a shining light in our community, her abiding trait being her warm smile which could light up a room. Bernie had time for everyone and was one of those people whose positivity, warmth, compassion and decency simply make their community a better place.

“Bernie was a devoted wife to her heartbroken husband Pat, loving mother to Anita, Mark and Bronagh and adoring grandmother to Mia and Cara, who are members of our underage girls teams.

“Bernie will be forever loved and missed by her heartbroken and loving husband, children and grandchildren; sons-in-law Michael and Micky; her beloved sisters and brothers, Helena, Michael, Marie, Shane, Anne and Olive; sisters-in-law, brothers in law, aunts, uncle; adored nephews and nieces; relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of life long friends.

“Bernie will be sadly missed by her entire community and everyone who had the pleasure to know her.”

Bernie will be reposing at her residence (N91 Y627) today, Friday, from 4pm-8pm, with Funeral Mass in St Michael the Archangel Church, Sonna at 11am on Saturday July 20. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. House private Saturday morning.

Go ndéana Dia grásta ar a hanam uasal.