Breege (Bridget) Looney

Bridget Ellen Looney, fondly referred to as "Breege" hails from Belmullet, Co. Mayo. She is one of seven children.  The very same night Bridget arrived in Chicago she would meet her future husband; Tom Looney.  Bridget and Tom have four grown children and six grandchildren (so far).  They owned The Abbey Pub, a longtime sponsor of The O'Connor Show.  

Around 1987, Bridget arrived in the studio to promote one of the many events she and Tom were involved in.  The story goes that Mike needed some help answering telephone calls, so he asked Bridget if she wouldn't mind.  After the program was through for the day, he asked if she thought she might like to come back and help out.  That was many years ago and Breege is still answering the phones!  She loves to chat (yes, we all do), and always has news.  We are so grateful to her for all the help she has generously given us through the years.  Bridget came on board with media experience; she and Tom had a cable program for a number of years which gave the current news in Ireland, including sports, and had entertainment as well.  

When asked about her proudest accomplishment, after naming off all of her children and grandchildren, Bridget will tell you it was being nominated and winning "Erris Exile of the Year".  Here is the description as given by the official Mayo website: 

"The 'Erris Exile of the Year Award' is open to persons born in Erris and who are now resident outside of Ireland, who have distinguished themselves by exceptional achievement whether through charitable, philanthropic or sporting endeavors, or notable commitment to the place of their birth."

Much deserved.  Congratulations, Bridget.

Here is Bridget with one of her favorite people, boxer Henry Coyle.  He comes from around Bridget's place in Mayo.