Liam Brennan RIP
The Government Committee, members and workers of the Irish Judo Affiliation ship their deepest condolences to the Brennan household on the passing of Liam Brennan, who will likely be sadly missed by his youngsters Liam, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Donna and Robert, sons in regulation, daughters in regulation, grandchildren, nice grandchildren, brother, sister, brothers in regulation, sisters in regulation, nephews, nieces, relations and mates.
Under is a a fantastically written epilogue by a fellow former President of the Irish Judo Affiliation – Mark Forde.
“The game of Irish Judo has misplaced one more nice. Liam Brennan, former President of the affiliation, has handed away. Liam was a household man who sadly misplaced his spouse Sadie earlier this yr. My condolences to his a lot beloved youngsters, grandchildren, prolonged household and mates.
Liam had a second household and love and it was our sport of Judo.
Like lots of those that have previous earlier than him, lots of our present membership won’t know Liam. To others like myself who grew up in Judo, Liam was the ever current of the game for the previous 50 plus years and since Liam was concerned from earlier than I used to be born, I can actually solely give a really temporary overview of his early involvement. I apologize if I get any particulars unsuitable.
Liam did Judo within the well-known Daigokan JC. He graded to the excessive grade of yellow belt and fortunately stayed at this grade for at the least 35 years. (He was awarded a honorary Dan grade about 15 years in the past). Liam was a yellow belt who went on to referee in Judo. Not solely that he coached participant’s within the membership organized competitions and doubtless every little thing else, Liam was perhaps the one yellow belt to teach worldwide gamers. He has sat within the chair whereas a few of our greatest fought. I can fondly bear in mind him shouting directions whereas I fought in opposition to gamers at nationwide occasions once I obtained to know him.
Liam was a founding member of the Leinster Judo Council. He was the primary organizer of the Leinster Open for perhaps at the least 20 years. Liam joined the chief committee of the Irish Judo Affiliation and served because the Honorary Normal Secretary and President by rotation for many years with Pat Hickey. He adopted Pat into the politics of the European Judo Union and went on to function Assistant Treasurer to the EJU. An enormous honor for a small nation in European Judo.
How do I do know a lot of Liam’s historical past? As I stated initially Liam was at all times current in our sport however 30 years in the past I labored as the event officer of the game the place I labored every day with Liam within the workplace as my direct supervisor whereas he was President. We developed an incredible bond and friendship that remained since. He was like a mentor when it got here politics or administration in our sport. He supported me by changing into the Honorary Normal Secretary once I turned President.
We have now travelled to many occasions collectively each in Eire and overseas and Liam’s love of our sport by no means pale. Over the a long time we have now mentioned and debated the game of Judo for hours on finish. Even along with his well being fading, Liam’s love and curiosity of the game was there. Solely two weeks in the past Leo Gibbons and myself went for lunch with Liam which is one thing we have now carried out over the past twenty years or so. Liam, as at all times was discussing Judo and particularly Leinster Judo and the upcoming Leinster Open.
Sadly Liam’s well being has declined within the final yr, particularly because the passing of his beloved spouse Sadie. He’s now at relaxation himself. Our Judo household has misplaced a good friend. I actually have misplaced an in depth good friend.
RIP Liam, Soremade.”
Mark Forde
Former President
Irish Judo Affiliation
Funeral Particulars
Reposing at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Administrators, Bayside on Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral mass on Thursday morning at 11am within the Church of Our Girl of Comfort, Donnycarney adopted by cremation in Dardistown Crematorium. Household flowers solely.
Could He Relaxation In Peace.
