John BRADSHAW

POIGNANT tributes have been paid to John Bradshaw, a Limerick man who has passed away in London at the age of 85. Reared in the heart of St Mary’s Parish, John had ongoing family and friend connections to his home city. He grew up just off Newgate Lane, attending school in Sexton Street CBS.

Both his father, Kevin, and grandfather, James were city councillors, with his father Kevin twice elected Mayor. His beloved mother, Annie Harrison, was brought up on Athlunkard Street. His grandfather Jim started the Murphy and Bradshaw Mineral Water business in Denmark Street, which developed into the well-known soft drinks brand of OLO Minerals - Our Lady’s Own.

He went to sea in 1962, joining the Slua Muiri and over the following years he worked his way up the ranks to become a Chief Engineer. He travelled the world with Irish Shipping and Port Line, before settling to have a family in South Shields, England in 1972. He returned to Ireland after his retirement in 2004 and settled in Ballyhahill before moving to London to be closer to his children.

John is predeceased by his daughter Susan, his grandson Billy, his sister Ann Power and his brother Brendan. He is survived by his children Christopher, Fiona and Criona, his sisters Maire Bradshaw-Tierney and Claire Scott-Lennon and seven grandchildren.