Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) deeply regrets the news of the death of the wonderful Bridie Maguire, aged 94.

Bridie was the first CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (formerly CF Association of Ireland). We give our sincere condolences to Bridie’s husband Tommy, and all the Maguire family. Bridie’s death coincides almost exactly to the day of the 60th anniversary of CFI, which was formed in November 1963. 

Bridie was named a ‘Person of the Year’ in 1976. A newspaper article at the time stated:

‘"t is a very rare woman who could each day remain in close contact with the disease which killed her two little girls. Since her two daughters died of cystic fibrosis, she has become godmother, mentor and saviour to the 400 children and their parents who belong to the Cystic Fibrosis association of Ireland. Her boundless dedication, understanding and support was recognised when she was made a ‘Person of the Year’ in the Burlington Hotel (1 Dec 1976) an honour she shared with the Peace Movement in Northern Ireland."

(Evening Herald, 2 December 1976).

Philip Watt, CEO of CFI stated: 

"Bridie Maguire was an amazing woman. In spite of losing two of her daughters to CF when they were at a very young age, Bridie dedicated much of her adult life in the cause of people with Cystic Fibrosis, first as a volunteer and then as the first CEO of what is now Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. She served the CF community in Ireland for over 30 years. She was a very kind and vibrant person and young at heart – she kept in touch with developments in CF care through her trusty computer tablet and she never forgot friends and family.  Tommy and her family can be rightfully very proud of her contribution to the early days CF care in Ireland, as we are in CF Ireland. She is a huge loss to all of us who knew and admired her."

Death Notice of Bridie MAGUIRE (née Hanratty) (Donabate, Dublin) | rip.ie