A TRUE GENTLEMAN BRENDAN TURNER
On Wednesday November 14th, Longford Town Supporters Club was shocked to the core with the sudden and unexpected death of our esteemed chairman Brendan Turner.
Brendan spent a short while in hospital. He never complained, was always optimistic and was looking forward to being let home. And then the totally unexpected, heart breaking news. Weeks later, it’s still hard to believe.
Brendan Turner was an absolute gentle, gentle person. His main passion was his wife Deirdre, son Roger and daughter Emily and after that it was sports. Brendan loved Gaelic and in particular he followed Slashers and the county team, he also was a keen golfer and on some week-end nights played the odd game of poker.
But Longford Town FC and its Supporters Club was where his sporting heart lay. Brendan supported the club through thick and thin, through sunshine and rain. Brendan wasn’t merely a fan, he was a real genuine, committed supporter.
He was a hands-on Chairman who did every single chore with a broad winning smile. After a particularly busy half-time serving teas and coffees in the Clubhouse, many precious minutes of the second half would be taken up with the wash-up. A few stragglers always seemed to appear just when the job was complete. But instead of telling them we were finished serving, Brendan would ask if they wanted tea or coffee and again with a smile. His patience and his respect for people was simply unmatched.
Every single event organised by the Supporters Club involved the genial Brendan. Whether a Christmas hamper raffle, or a bank holiday Car Boot Sale, he was on duty. Together with Liam Healion, he was the principal driver behind the successful summer Golf Classic. At the start of each month, he took great pleasure in making a fuss of the winner of Player of the Month as he presented the winning player with his trophy. If at a meeting, he wanted you to do something, he would just look, pause and you found yourself volunteering. He had a wonderful way with him as Chairman; always punctual, efficient and smiling.
There isn’t a ground in the Airtricity League that he didn’t visit in supporting De Town. On occasions when there were not enough to run a bus, Brendan would drive a few of us, be it Wexford, Waterford, Limerick or Ballybofey. A true supporter, home and away.
In the past few years, the Supporters Club has been able to donate tens of thousands of euro to support Longford Town FC. This could only have been done under the direction of a wonderful, selfless, dedicated Chairman who never sought any thanks or reward.
One of life’s true genuine and gentle souls, Brendan was a dear and cherished friend who will always be in our hearts.
To Deirdre, Roger and Emily we extend our most sincere condolences.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
