MAIRE BHREATHNACH departed this life peacefully on July 7th. To those who knew her she was an outstanding Catholic and scholar, and her faith was everything to her. She was thoughtful and kind, and a true friend.
She was born in Knocknagoshel, Co Kerry, in 1907. In her heart she never left it, and she was buried there on July 10th. Maire often referred to her happy childhood and the good education she had received from the nuns. She spoke often of her grandmother and the influence she had on her, telling her of the politics of bygone days and the activities of the Land League. Most of her adult life was spent in Clontarf, Dublin.
Maire was well travelled and had visited many places in Europe, particularly - Germany. She was competent in German and French, a fluent Irish speaker and strongly supported the language and Gaelic culture. She was assistant secretary of the Department of Finance when she retired. She was amused by the suggestion that women were barred from promotion in the Civil Service; advancement depended entirely on initiative and ability, she would say.
She had a great grasp of law and was involved in drafting legislation. She had much praise for politicians in the early years of the State, because of their capacity to study all aspects of legislation before it was enacted, and its likely effects on the ordinary citizen in the future.
As president of the Irish Family League, she was outstanding in researching matters, law and compiling her findings in the form of written submissions to various Government departments and commissions. When invited to give oral evidence, she was a tower of strength to her colleagues in, her knowledge of the subject being discussed. She will be sorely missed by all hi friends. Requiescat in pace.