Life President Of Offaly GAA Passes Away
All involved with Offaly GAA were deeply saddened to learn on Sunday, 30th July, that our Life President, Mr Brendan Ward, had passed away.
Mr Ward was a hugely respected figure in Offaly GAA. He was a long-serving Chairman of the County Board between 1989 and 2002 which was, of course, a period of huge success for the county. These achievements included All-Ireland Senior Hurling titles and the resurgence of the Senior Football team in 1997.
A member of the Durrow GAA Club, with whom he played for many years, Mr Ward was also a selector with the Offaly U21 football team that won the All-Ireland final in 1988.
Respected for his knowledge of GAA affairs and rules, he also chaired the Leinster Hearings Committee and was a member of the DRA panel for a period. He was elected Life President of Offaly GAA in early 2003.
County Board Chairperson, Michael Duignan said he was very sorry to hear the sad news of Mr Ward’s death. On behalf of Offaly GAA, he extended his sympathies to his wife Carmel and all their family. “Brendan was a gentleman, a great club and community man and a brilliant Chairperson of Offaly GAA,” he said. Mr Duignan added that they were “particularly lucky to have him steering the ship in 1998” – a reference to Mr Ward’s stewardship during an eventful season which culminated with Liam MacCarthy Cup glory.
Mr Ward’s remains will repose at O’Reilly’s Funeral Home, Tullamore, on Monday 31st July from 4pm until rosary at 7pm. Removal from his home on Tuesday morning to St Colmcille’s Church, Durrow, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial after Mass in the adjoining cemetary.
