RIP: ‘There are no words’ - Gardaí in Waterford pay tribute to much-loved colleague
The late Brendan Breen was a sergeant based at Waterford Garda Station
Sergeant Brendan Breen, late of Stradbally and formerly of Tralee, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 28.
Gardaí in Waterford paid tribute to Sergeant Breen in a post on social media on Monday.
A Garda spokesperson said: “There are no words to describe the dark cloud that descended over Waterford Garda Station last Friday when word filtered through of the untimely and unexpected death of Sergeant Brendan Breen.
“A Kerry native, he transferred to Waterford from Crumlin Station having previously worked in the GNDU.
“In his role as the CPD Sergeant, he led a team who welcomed every new probationer Garda to the division and guided them in the right direction as they set out on their new careers.”
They went on to highlight Brendan’s infectious attitude and the impact he had in the local community.
“His infectious ‘can do’ attitude and his ability to talk to people and connect with them, meant that he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“To his wife Cathy, and children Aidan, Grace and Róisín, there are no words. You are his pride and joy... his everything.
“In the wider community, he was heavily involved in his local Stradbally GAA where he was a coach, mentor, manager.
“Furthermore, he was a referee with the juvenile and underage Waterford GAA, as well as a selector with the Waterford Minor Footballers.”
The Garda spokesperson continued by outlining the impression Brendan made on everyone he met.
“He had time for everyone and was a great man for the chats. He knew something about everything, and if he didn't he would put you in touch with someone who did.
“Brendan's larger than life character will be deeply missed in the station, on the pitch sidelines and in his home in Stradbally.”
“Rest in Peace Brendan,” they concluded.
Brendan is deeply missed by his heartbroken family, loving wife Cathy, children Aidan, Grace and Róisín, his mother Agnes, his brothers Declan and Gerald and sisters Elaine and Miriam.
He is deeply regretted by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, extended family, friends and neighbours, and his work colleagues in An Garda Síochána.
Brendan reposed at his residence in Stradbally on Wednesday, September 2.
Requiem Mass took place at the Holy Cross Church in Stradbally on Thursday, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May Brendan Rest in Peace.