RIP: Longford GAA club pays tribute to late Brendan Bannon 'a symbol of dedication, passion and loyalty that inspired everyone'

The late Brendan Bannon, Ballinahinch, Newtowncashel, Longford has been remembered as 'a symbol of dedication, passion and loyalty that inspired everyone'.

The accomplished Cashel GAA player and former Telecom Eireann employee passed to his eternal reward, peacefully after a long illness, bravely borne in the care of the nurses and staff at the Beacon Hospital, surrounded by his family on Monday, February 10. 

In a fitting and poignant club tribute, Cashel GAA said they were deeply saddened to hear of Brendan's death. 

"Brendan was a fantastic servant to Cashel GAA; he was a symbol of dedication, passion and loyalty that inspired everyone involved with the club.

"His four senior championship victories in the 70's and 80's are a testament to his incredible skill, work ethic, and commitment to the club.

"Brendan also captained Cashel to an under 21 championship in 1974, the only team from the parish to achieve this feat.

"But beyond the trophies, it was the countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the game and the club that were truly admirable.

"Brendan was the backbone of the club lotto since its inception and was the key driver behind its success."

PICTURES | Glamour and style galore at mighty Grattans social in Longford Arms Hotel

Caption: The Cashel team that won the Connolly Cup in 1977 after they defeated Longford Slashers by 1-8 to 1-6 to win the first of the club's four Longford senior football championship titles. Front row l to r; Peter Bannon, Henry Kenny, Jack Bannon, Mike Kenny, Des Bannon, Noel Mulvihil and Gerry Farrell. Back; Brendan Smyth, Eamonn Smyth, Mike Skelly, Brendan Bannon, Jim Kenny, Micky Walsh, Johnny Clyne and Mick Casey

The Cashel club tribute continued, "Brendan will forever be a part of the club’s history and will truly be missed by everyone involved with Cashel GAA."

PICTURES | GAA President Jarlath Burns in Longford for Cashel and Southern Gaels medals presentation night

He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget, brother Peter, brother-in-law Pat and sister-in-law Nuala.

Brendan will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, beloved wife Eithne, dear sons James (Ohio), Eoin (Brussels), Cormac (Ballinahinch) and Fearghal (Melbourne), daughters-in-law Samantha and Ola, Fearghal’s partner Lorraine, sisters Jo O’Keeffe (Celbridge) and Maureen McCann (London), brothers Tom (Dublin), Jack (Ballinahinch) and Des (Limerick), grandchildren Brendan, Declan and Maeve, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.

Mass of the Resurrection takes place on Thursday, February 13 in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Newtowncashel at 12 noon, followed by interment afterwards in Cashel cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be streamed live view here 

Family flowers only please donations if desired to LARCC National Cancer Retreat and Support Centre donate here

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

PICTURES | Abbeylara Abú! A champion celebration for Longford kingpins