Tributes have been paid to Bridie Nicholson, the Sligo woman who represented Ireland at European and World Transplant Games following her passing.

The retired Sligo librarian from died on September 10th 2026 at Sligo University Hospital.

Bridie, of Caltragh,Sligo and late of Loughanelton, Calry, Co. Sligo will repose at Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo from 4.00pm to 7.00pm on Friday September 11th.

Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at 11.00am on Saturday September 12th in Saint Patrick’s Church, Calry.

Bridie Nicholson won many medals, including gold, at the European and World Transplant and Dialysis Games over many years

Her favourite sport was Petanque (French boules) while she also had success at darts and in walking events.

Bridie was the recipient of a kidney and pancreas transplant in

She was a member of Sligo Petanque Club which plays at Mitchell Curley Park, a pitch which she describes as the best in the country.

Indeed, only last Saturday she attended a Petanque event at Mitchell Curley Park such was her love of the sport.

Many tributes have paid paid RIP.ie to Bridie.

One wrote: “I met Bridie for the first time last Saturday at the Pétanque event in Mitchell Curley Park. I had heard about her redoubtable spirit and how she loved Boules and was delighted to meet her. ”

Another wrote: “Bridie was truly an incredible, inspirational, knowledgeable and kind neighbour and friend”

Another tribute read: “She never let life get her down, even through her illness, she was always determined, kept fighting, so brave and did amazing in the World Transplant games, she sure was some lady. A true Warrior for sure.”

Sligo- Drumcliffe Fine Gael District Executive also paid a tribute:

“Bridie was the vice-chair of our executive for many years, and from a young age she was a dedicated and active supporter of Fine Gael in the Calry branch and at constituency level.
“In spite of her ill health, which she bore courageously, she maintained her interest in politics, current affairs, local issues, and- not to forget her great achievements in the Transplant Games.”

A tribute from the Sligo branch of the Irish Kidney Association read: “Bridie was a wonderful inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was determined., a warrior, a fighter for what she believed in. She was a very brave and knowledgeable lady.”