'Unwavering generosity': Gifted Longford psychotherapist honoured posthumously
Sr Briege Reynolds, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and formerly of Graffogue, Ballinalee, Co Longford was a gifted psychotherapist, supervisor, and teacher
A Longford nun, who worked in Pakistan and America before moving back to Ireland, has been honoured posthumously with the Northern Ireland Regional Award by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) in recognition of her contribution to the profession.
Sr Briege Reynolds, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and formerly of Graffogue, Ballinalee, Co Longford was a gifted psychotherapist, supervisor, and teacher whose influence extended far beyond the therapy room.
She was widely respected for her wisdom, clarity, and quiet strength, and was a guiding presence for colleagues and students alike.
She was a member of the Presentation Order and had served in Pakistan for 35 years before returning home to Ireland.
The was accepted in memory of Briege by her sisters Rose Reynolds and Mary Corcoran at the IACP’s 11th Annual Conference at the Johnstown Estate, Co Meath.
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Born in 1947, Sr Briege was daughter of the late Paddy and Kathleen (McNamara) Reynolds of Graffoge.
Brigid, as she was christened, and her siblings attended Clonbroney National school and later she was a pupil in Cnoc Mhuire secondary school in Granard.
Following her Leaving Cert the young Brigid Reynolds joined the Presentation Sisters in Bailieborough, Co Cavan.
The Presentation Order had been in Granard for sometime previous to moving to Portadown and four young ladies from the surrounding area joined the Convent, Sr Christine O’Reilly, Mullahoran; Sr Marie Therese Fagan Leitrim, Coolarty; Sr Roberta Kilbride, Cartron, Granard and Sr Briege Reynolds, Graffoge; and all four served in Pakistan for most of their lives.
Briege sadly passed away suddenly on April 17, 2025, and her legacy continues to live on through the lives and work of those she supported.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Rose Reynolds reflected on her beloved sister’s life,
“Sr Briege was a treasured member of our family, the middle child of eleven children.
“We will always remember Briege for her unwavering generosity in her service of others, demonstrated by her dedication to missionary life in Pakistan for over 35 years.
“On her return to Ireland she worked in Northern Ireland by serving as a gifted psychotherapist.
"Her optimistic attitude towards life can best be described by the famous iconic quote by Julian of Norwich, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.’
Rose continued, “Briege's life was a blessing to our family and all who had the joy of knowing and loving her.
"We thank God for the gift of Briege 's life, which was a life well lived for God and others. We will always miss her from the family circle.”
IACP CEO Lisa Molloy said, “Sr Briege Reynolds made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the counselling and psychotherapy profession.
"Her compassion, integrity, and commitment to excellence have left an enduring legacy, not only within the Northern Ireland Region but across the wider IACP community. This award is a testament to the profound impact she had on colleagues, students, and clients alike.”
As a psychotherapist, Briege brought deep compassion and unwavering integrity to her work.
She had a rare ability to listen with both attentiveness and insight, creating spaces where people could gain deeper understanding of themselves and begin the process of healing.
Briege was also a dedicated champion of the Northern Ireland Regional Committee.
She played a central role in sustaining the Committee during challenging periods, ensuring its continuity and its commitment to upholding the high professional standards of the IACP.
As a supervisor and educator, Briege was generous and deeply thoughtful in her approach.
She encouraged those she mentored to trust their instincts while deepening their clinical knowledge and practice.
Her influence continues to be felt through the many therapists she trained and supported throughout her career.
The late Sr Briege worked in Pakistan for a total of thirty five years after which she spent some time in America before moving back to Ireland and to her native county where she worked as Chaplin in Moyne Community School for a short time before moving to Enniskillen where on April 17 last she passed to her eternal reward suddenly and peacefully.
The late Sr Briege was laid to rest in Granardkille new cemetery. May she rest in peace.