RIP: Waterford GAA and gardai in mourning at loss of 'extremely decent' man
Tributes have poured in following the ‘sudden and unexpected’ passing of Sergeant Brendan Breen who was also well-known in Waterford GAA circles
There is shock and sadness within the GAA and garda communities in Waterford following the ‘sudden and unexpected’ passing of Brendan Breen.
Also known as Enda, Brendan was originally from Kerry but was a well-respected garda sergeant in Waterford having previously served in Clondalkin, the GNDU and at Sundrive Road and Crumlin garda stations in Dublin.
“To the Breen family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Enda. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam,” wrote Eileen Foster, Assistant Commissioner, Southern Region in a condolence message, posted on RIP.ie.
Brendan, who died on Friday, was dedicated to his family, his community and in particular to Stradbally GAA where he was a prominent figure.
“Sincere condolences to Brendan’s family, friends and all involved in Stradbally GAA Club. Brendan was always a forward thinking member of Bord na nÓg and always wanted the best for Juvenile players throughout the County. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his gentle soul rest in peace 🙏 ,” wrote Andy Moloney of Ballygunner & WD Bord na nÓg.
In recent years, Brendan served as a coach, manager and mentor and he was a member of various committees at Stradbally GAA & LGFA.
He was also involved in several community groups.
A week ago, he was week he was at Fraher Field see Stradbally U16 hurlers win the Division 1A trophy and he was extremely proud to present the trophy to the winning Stradbally captain Gearóid Power, while he managed the Stradbally minor hurling team at the same venue two days later.
“Within Waterford GAA he refereed at both juvenile and underage for a number of years. He was also involved with Deise Óg in the Town & Country Leagues and Development squads.
“Earlier this year he was a selector with Waterford Minor Footballers in what was the most successful campaign in a long number of years.
“Since joining the Bord na nÓg committee in 2022, he has been an active member – attending meetings, games, offering advice and spending many hours looking at how to improve underage structures within the county and raise the profile of our underage games,” commented Waterford Bord na nÓg in a statement.
There is widespread shock within GAA and garda circles in Waterford and tributes have been pouring in from across the country.
One message reads: “Brendan was a wonderful member of the local community who truly threw himself into village and club life. He always wanted the very best for Stradbally and its community, and his generosity, commitment and contribution will be greatly missed.”
Another said: “Brendan was always quick to help out any way he could in work and was guaranteed to stop you for a chat in the hallway. An extremely decent man gone far too soon.”
In another message on RIP.ie, colleagues from An Garda Siochana in Waterford said: “Our sincerest condolences to the entire Breen family on the passing of Brendan. Brendan was always quick to help out any way he could in work and was guaranteed to stop you for a chat in the hallway. An extremely decent man gone far too soon. RIP”.
Funeral arrangements for Brendan Breen have yet to be announced.
Predeceased by his father Brendan Breen senior, he is survived by his wife Cathy, children Aidan, Grace and Róisín, his mother Agnes, his brothers Declan and Gerald, sisters Elaine and Miriam, and his extended family.