Sr. Bridget Veale

Sister Bridget Veale who was born 16 January 1923 and was 100 years old at the time of this interview chats to me about her life from childhood where she grew up in Dunhill Waterford to joining the Franciscan sisters in 1939 at the beginning of WW2. Travelling the world as a Missionary Sister and some of her work life and time in Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe. Sister Bridget speaks openly and honestly and gives a once in a lifetime insight to her wonderful life as a missionary nun. The interview took place in the Franciscan Sisters retirement home in Ballinasloe on the 8th March 2023 ( International Women’s Day)

Portiuncula Hospital celebrated 80 years in 2023 and Sr. Bridget gives a great insight into her work there as a nurse during its infancy and into the 1970s. Sr. Bridget spent many years at Portiuncula and retired in its grounds in the sisters retirement home where she designed and maintained the gardens for many years until her passing.