Sister Bridget Reynolds, the co-founder and former co-chief executive of Social Justice Ireland, has died aged 82.

Sister Reynolds' Early Years

Born and raised on a farm near Mohill, Co Leitrim, Sister Bridget Reynolds was educated with the Marist Sisters in Carrick-on-Shannon. She graduated with a science degree from University College Dublin. Following this, she entered the Marist Sisters Religious Order and worked as a teacher and lecturer in northern Nigeria. She returned to Ireland in 1980 and a year later was recruited by the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI). It was there she spent 25 years leading its Justice Commission with Fr Sean Healy. In 2009, the pair co-founded Social Justice Ireland. This is a secular organisation that focuses on social justice, sustainable development and equitable economic policies. They ran the organisation together before retiring in 2023. The following year Sr Brigid was awarded an honorary doctorate from South East Technological University (SETU). This was in acknowledgement of her “lifelong dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities”. She died on Saturday night, 10 days before her 83rd birthday.

Sister Bridget Reynolds' legacy

The organisation’s chief executive John McGeady, said: “Brigid made an indelible mark on social justice advocacy in Ireland. “Guided by a vision of society in which each person’s dignity is honoured, Brigid was dedicated to addressing inequality, poverty and social exclusion. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Brigid’s sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, and to the Marist Sisters.” Sr Brigid’s funeral will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon. “She combined the spirituality of a religious vocation with the warmth of a deep human sympathy and the energy, skill and practicality of a tireless social campaigner.” By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association For the latest Waterford News and Sport , tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand