Pictured: Margaret “Bernie” Fitzgerald.
On Monday January 18th 2016 my mum died. She was 89 years old. She had been in St. Vincent’s Hospital since July 7th 2015.
My mum was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 6th of November 1926. In 1936 my mum was brought with her school to Ibrox Stadium, the home of Glasgow Rangers, for the coronation of King George. It was the only football ground she was ever in. She got married on June 14th 1945 in Glasgow.
She came to Dublin in 1946 and lived in Ringsend Park Cottages. In 1948 she went back to Glasgow to visit her mum and that year my brother Joe was born in Lennoxtown Hospital. My mum was a truly wonderful mother. She brought up five sons and did a truly wonderful job. She worked in Roches Stores for a long time, and had many jobs in Dublin.
She used to go to the bingo and enjoyed doing the lottery in the bookies. She was quite lucky at times when doing the lottery. She was also very lucky in the chapel draw.
She had a great memory. She would also never forget a birthday date. She never lost her beautiful Scottish accent. Ringsend was her home for many years. She got to know so many people in her time. Then in 1971 she moved to Malone Gardens in Bath Avenue, but Ringsend was her special place.
My mum is now in heaven with her husband Michael and son Eddie, and some of her Glasgow family. Mum, we miss you so much, you were our rock and strength. You will never be forgotten.
A very special thanks to doctors, nurses, and all staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital. They were superb and did so much for my mum.
Finally, on behalf of our family I would like to thank Father Tonge, Liz, and all who made her funeral removal and mass such a wonderful occasion. A big thank you to all who came to say goodbye to mum. God bless mum.
By James FitzGerald
