MICHAEL BRENNAN – LATE PRESIDENT OF SHAMROCKS
LEAVES A RICH LEGACY
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Michael Brennan, late President of The Shamrock Hurling & Football Club was called to his eternal reward recently and his passing severs a mighty link with the Club’s rich past. He had served fifteen unbroken years as President, having been Vice-President four years previously. He was a wonderful person at the helm and provided great leadership and guidance to all who served with him. He commanded huge respect both locally and much further afield. We have lost one of life’s great Christian Gentlemen whose integrity was beyond reproach – life will never be the same.
GREAT SERVICE
Michael has rendered a massive amount to our Club over decades and he was never found wanting when the call went out. He would be first to show and lead the way whether it was in administration, fund-raising, or any other initiative. He was Chairman of the Club during a golden period. He was elected Chairman in 1988 and led the Club to Junior Football championships in successive years. He was a Selector and commanded great respect from the players and the team captains. Declan O’Neill was captain in 1988 and Ciaran Barry led the team in 1989 and went on to captain Carrigdhoun in 1990. He led the team and a huge band of followers to Aughaville in West Cork in 1989 when Shamrocks defeated the mighty champions of Beara, Adrigole. In 1990 we acquired two extra pitches and of course he led the fundraising to meet the debt. His widespread respect commanded huge goodwill and support. This period saw some great successes at Under age with his old friend Joe O’Donovan at the helm there. He was a great fundraiser over the years right up to the time of his death when he would weekly hand in his lotto ticket sales. He was always on time. But of course, he loved the games and wherever the green jerseys were in action he would be sure to be there.
TRADITION
Michael was son of the late Abie Brennan who was the man credited with introducing Shamrocks to the game of football. In 1923, Abie captained the Football team to win the Intermediate County title defeating the West Cork Team Dohoneys. He was later a Referee and Chairman of the South-East Cork Board. The Brennan family were from Coolmlore and over years they gave great Service to their Club and Community. Michael was a fine hurler and a member of The Shamrock Under 16 team of 1948 that won the inaugural championship. They received their medals from Maurice O’Donoghue of the South East Board and a beautiful new silver cup presented by Fr. O’Farrell C.C. Carrigaline. Michael was one of the few surviving members of that historic team. Ger Coveney and Donal Brady are, thankfully, still with us. He later hurled at senior level with Carrigdhoun. The Brennans had some fine singers in the family and that great old South-East Cork Ballad ‘Carrigdhoun’ was among their favourites. Michael was a member of the Church Choir at St. Columbas in Douglas. He was also a life long member of the Pioneer Association.
GOODBYE
Large numbers turned out to say their goodbyes and St. Columbas Church was filled to capacity. There was a wonderful rendition of traditional hymns from the Choir and his coffin draped in the Shamrock colours was carried out of the Church to its resting place to the beautiful refrain of ‘Nearer my God to thee’. Later, as his coffin entered St. Michael’s cemetery , a lone piper from the Carrigaline Pipe Band played a final lament. May his gentle soul rest in peace:
Deepest sympathy is tendered to son Anthony, daughters Catherine and Valerie, his grandchildren, many relatives and friends.
Seán O’Tuama.
