Late Arklow woman Breda Smyth was a generous soul who ‘never feared a challenge'

Irish Independent

04-06-2025

A native of Rathdowney, County Laois, Breda studied at the College of Hotel Cookery Dublin from 1961 to 1963, before moving to Arklow to join the team at the Arklow Bay Hotel.
As many may recall, Arklow had a vibrant social scene back then, during the showband era, with Brendan Bowyer, the Ormonde Hall, and the Entertainment Centre, and it was at the latter that Breda was first introduced to a young chap from County Meath named Peter, and it was love at first sight.
Married in 1970, the couple set down roots on Emoclew Road, where Breda made it their home. Together, they knitted themselves into the fabric of the community, with Breda channelling her time and energy into a myriad of local causes.
From her work with the Arklow CBS board of management and the school's parents council fundraising committee, to the Fr. Murphy Athletic Club, Arklow Meals on Wheels, Minster of the Eucharist, Arklow Music Festival or the Parish Bingo, Breda never feared a challenge, and her support was always delivered with a warm smile.
Aside from her community work, family was so important and meant everything to Breda. She never forgot her Laois roots, returning regularly to visit brothers, nieces and nephews and always there to help where she could.
Breda was a devoted mother to her three sons, Damien, Paul and Killian and grandmother to her five grandchildren (a role she embraced), Jodie, Lexi, Billy, Lauren and Eve, whom she adored. Birthday cakes became works of art, almost too good to eat, with Breda revelling in their sporting, artistic, or musical successes.
'When sickness took its grip and our family began to collapse with heartache, it was Breda who gently reminded us of our inner strength and faith,' a family member said.
'She never complained, she never blamed, she was at peace, and a big thank you to Breda's dear friend Fr. Martin Cosgrove, who was instrumental at that most difficult time.'
Breda Smyth of Clon-Kiel, Emoclew Road, Arklow, died on February 14. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Peter, her sons Damien, Paul and Killian, her daughters-in-law Linda, Tanya and Lisa, her grandchildren Jodie, Lexi, Billy, Lauren and Eve, the extended Doherty and Smyth families, neighbours and friends.