Bridie graduated with a B. Comm from UCC in 1984. She subsequently qualified as a Management Accountant and is CIMA registered. She has worked for many years as an accountant in various companies and she was Financial Controller and Company Secretary of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young in Dublin prior to moving to live in West Cork (for the Good Life!). She now, along with her husband John, owns TJ Newman’s Corner House pub and Newman’s West Cafe/Wine Bar in Schull.