Bridget Brennan
Bridget (Biddy) Brennan was born c1842 in Craugheyboyle, Dungloe, to Hugh and Meabha Brennan.
She married Denis O'Donnell, son of John O'Donnell, in February 1869, in the Chapel of Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal. Denis was born about 1846 in Aboligan, Dungloe.
She married Denis O'Donnell, son of John O'Donnell, in February 1869, in the Chapel of Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal. Denis was born about 1846 in Aboligan, Dungloe.
Denis and Biddy lived in Craghey and had the following children:
Denis worked in Uphall, Scotland, while Biddy stayed in Craghey raising the children and looking after the land. The discovery of oil shale in Uphall attracted many people looking for employment in the shale mines.
Denis died on 27th July, 1886, in Uphall, of a perforation of the stomach. He had ulceration of the stomach for two months prior to his death. It is said that when Biddy heard the news of Denis’ death she decided not to tell the children and they were under the impression that their father was working away until years later.
In 1901, Biddy was head of household in Household 11 in Craghey. Her son, Jimmy, and daughters, Bridget and Máire (Mary) lived with her. In 1911, Biddy was still head of household. Her daughter Síle (Celia) and son Jimmy lived with her along with ‘servant’ James O’Donnell.
Biddy lived in Craghey, Dungloe until she died on 24 Oct 1931. Daughter, Mary McGee, registered the death.
Notes
Biddy known locally as Biddy Meabha.
Biddy known locally as Biddy Meabha.