Brid Tunney says farewell

To a packed house, Brid Tunney said farewell on Friday, July 17th. Staff past and present, family and friends came to say so long to one of the most well known names throughout ESB.

John Redmond, Company Secretary and Head of Corporate Affairs, outlined Brid’s career from her early days in Dundalk, a short period in London outside of ESB and her return to Head Office.

It was in her Head Office career that Brid first became widely known when she became PA to Paddy Moriarty, firstly as Head of Personnel and later as Chief Executive. This was to become a 20 year working relationship and it was in this role that Brid became a familiar name. The workload and pressures at the time were formidable. In 1989 Brid qualified in Public Relations and was seconded to the U.S. for six months in 1991 on a PR assignment. On her return she joined the Public Relations Department of ESB.

Throughout the years Brid has met Presidents, Taoisigh, Ministers and a wide array of VIP’s. She has organised events, large and small, in every corner of Ireland and in the U.K., Spain, Belgium and Poland.

She has managed a wide range of sponsorships from Community Games, ESB Beo, Environmental Awards, People of the Year Awards, Media Awards, GAA, Women’s Hockey, Schools’ Debating and National Childrens’ Choir to name but a few.

Following her official appointment in 2002 as Corporate Events Manager, one of Brid’s first tasks was to organise a gala event to mark ESB’s 75th Anniversary. This she did with her usual efficiency, style and attention to detail. The event was an unprecedented success and was the culmination of a wonderful year of celebration for the Company.

Brid was a key member of the organising committee of MADSOC and led the Musical and Dramatic Society through many years of success, the highlight of which was the winning of the National Final of the John Player Tops in 1988. The event was televised live from the Gaiety and Brid went on stage to accept the award from the Mayor of Dublin.

Brid herself had been a student at the Brendan Smith Academy and the Leinster School of Music.

She is a keen skier and each year one of her travel destinations will always be a winter break in one of the well known ski locations.

Many tributes were paid to Brid on her departure including Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh on behalf of the Moriarty family and a special presentation by Theresé Farrell on behalf of MADSOC. Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, made the official presentation to Brid and spoke of her unquestionable loyalty and dedication to ESB.

A memorable night was enjoyed by the colleagues and friends present and a suitable send off to a woman who has overseen so many events herself.