Political matriarch celebrates her 100th birthday

This week is a very special one in the long history of Galway’s strongest political dynasty – as the woman behind the throne celebrated her 100th birthday…albeit in a way she could never have envisaged.

Bridie Kitt – widow of long-serving TD and Minister Mick, who also had the rare pleasure of seeing three of her own children in the Dáil at the one time – marked her landmark birthday with a special Mass, celebrated from Christ the King Church in Salthill, via Zoom.

In more normal times, the occasion would have been cause for a major celebration, but – as her eldest son Michéal said – that’s had to go on ice until life becomes less restrictive.

“It had to be low-key in the circumstances, but it’s still a huge day. The cards and well-wishes have been pouring in for a few weeks now – and of course, there’s a card and a cheque from Michael D!” he joked.

Indeed, in the card, President Higgins expressed regret that, due to Covid 19, he was unable to visit personally to congratulate her and to deliver his presidential cheque.

A message also arrived from the Taoiseach Michéal Martin congratulating her on her wonderful achievement.

President Higgins, of course, is intimately acquainted with the Kitts and their political legacy; he hosted a special day in the Aras for Bridie and her family just three years ago, to mark 100 years of the Kitts’ cumulative political service to the state.

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital version from www.connachttribune.ie