Today, we are sharing a heartwarming story of resilience, humour, and deep connections from Brigid Walsh. Brigid, who has settled into her new CHI home at Plás an Chruicéid in Tuam, tells us about her journey to a CHI home.

“I said to my sons that it's a clear route now because I have a grave in Ballina and that’s only when I will leave here,”

‍Brigid chuckles, her eyes twinkling with mischief. It’s this sense of humour that has seen her through a life filled with change and movement.

Brigid moved to England where she got married, but 35 years ago, she decided to return to Ireland with her children. "We started off in the private renting sector while raising the kids, and eventually, I got on the local council's housing list. The Urban District Council in Ballina nominated us for a house. My youngest, Pat, was just a year old when we moved back, and he'll be 35 this September," she recalls.

After spending 15 years in Ballina, the family moved to Dunmore, and now Brigid finds herself in Tuam. "I really like it here. There's a big, diverse population, lots of young people, and it's nice to see the kids having fun. Plus, I can walk to the shops, which is great," she says, highlighting the small joys of her current home.

Home is where the heart is

For Brigid, home is truly where the heart is. The sense of belonging and comfort she feels in Tuam is a crucial part of her quality of life. "Building a sense of community has always been important to me," she says. Just the other day, her neighbor from upstairs came down for a visit. "She seemed very nice and bubbly. I can't go upstairs because of my hips, but I told her she's welcome to pop down anytime for coffee," Brigid shares. Friendly neighbors like these make all the difference in feeling at home.

Brigid’s story is also one of lasting friendships. "My very best friend of 40 years was born and raised here, just up in the town. She's in the hospital now having an operation and feeling quite homesick. So, I sent her some photos of my house and told her that once she's recovered, she'll have to come visit me. It’s important to stay connected," she says, emphasizing the importance of support and connection.

When Brigid moved to Tuam, she arrived with just her bags and an orthopedic chair. Despite this, she’s made it her home. "I love it here. I'm making it my home. I even told my sons that it's a clear route now because I have a grave in Ballina, and that’s only when I'll leave here," she laughs. "It's a bit of a joke among us. The girls in the family don't like me talking about dying, but I love the craic."

A Sense of Belonging

Brigid’s journey underscores the profound impact that having a place to call home can have on one’s quality of life. A home is more than just a roof over our heads; it’s a place where we find comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. It’s where we build relationships, create memories, and find peace.

Brigid’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of humour, the strength found in community, and the enduring nature of friendships. We thank Brigid for sharing her journey with us, and we hope her story brings a smile to your face as it did to ours.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Brigid's journey to a CHI home. Do you have a story you'd like to share?

Contact us and let your journey inspire others - email communications@cooperativehousing.ie

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