By Leo McMahon

IT was an honour and a pleasure to have known and worked with the late Patricia Bredin, The Orchard, Toureen, Passage West who died peacefully on April 3rd.

As a reporter for many years with The Southern Star, covering South Cork, I got to know Patricia, a former teacher who was for many years Passage West-Monkstown correspondent for that paper and later went on to do likewise for then Cork Examiner, Evening Echo and later on, The Carrigdhoun, all reflecting her pride in Passage West and its community.

Patricia was extremely knowledgeable (she attended UCC in 1956) who not only of her own place but of Irish history and many other subjects. Apart from covering local government (Passage West Town Commissioners and later Town Council) and events, we had many enjoyable and stimulating conversations on a wide range of topics. A particular highlight was travelling to Chasseneuil du Poitou near Poitiers in France in the late 1990s to cover its official twinning with Passage West-Monkstown.

Through her diligent reporting, Patricia made a significant contribution to recording the history of Passage West and Lower Cork Harbour but most importantly was at all times, courteous and generous with her time to everyone she met including this correspondent who always enjoyed her company.

Patricia Bredin was fondly remembered in the celebration of her life at her funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Dave O’Connell PP in St Mary’s Church, Passage West on April 7th where there was an eloquent eulogy by her son Frank who also spoke about his mother’s love of travel (she was a former travel agent) and her deep faith. The Carrigdhoun wishes to express deepest sympathy to Frank as well as Patricia’s daughters Kate and Claire (Keane) and extended family.