GAA club mourns passing of “one of our greatest clubmen”
The late Mick Breheny.
Roscommon Gaels GAA club is mourning the passing of Mick Breheny, describing him as “one of our greatest clubmen”.
Mr Breheny, of Greenfield Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town passed away peacefully on May 24th, surrounded by his loving family and in the devoted care of the staff at Roscommon Hospice.
He was laid to rest today, Wednesday, in St. Coman’s Cemetery following Funeral Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon.
In an extensive tribute on social media, Roscommon Gaels said:
“Some people play for a club. Some people serve a club. Mick Breheny spent a lifetime doing both.
“Mick's association with the GAA began in his native Oran, where he won a minor championship and developed a lifelong love of Gaelic games. After coming to Roscommon town, he became one of the most dedicated servants Roscommon Gaels has ever known.
“Over many decades Mick gave everything to the club. He was a player, coach, manager, steward, referee, groundsman, committee member, vice-chairman and chairman. Whatever was needed, Mick was there. His contribution could never be measured by a title or a role alone.
“He cared deeply about Roscommon Gaels, about Hyde Park, about underage development, and about ensuring the club remained at the heart of the community. He understood the challenges facing clubs, but he never lost faith in the values of loyalty, volunteerism and belonging that define the GAA.
“In an interview reflecting on his life in the association, Mick spoke most fondly not of honours or achievements, but of people, friendships, memorable matches and the enjoyment he got from being involved. That perhaps tells us everything about the man.
“Mick Breheny was the embodiment of the club volunteer - generous with his time, wise in his counsel, and unwavering in his commitment to Roscommon Gaels.
“His legacy will live on in the generations of players, members and supporters whose lives he touched. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis,” concluded the club.
Mr Breheny is survived by his wife Marian (née Donlon), son Michael, daughter Edel, son-in-law Thomas Moran, Michael’s partner Michelle Burke, his adored grandsons Tomás and Patrick, brothers Martin (Ballintubber) and P.J. (Clooneenbane), sisters Winnie Fallon (Rockfield) and Nonie Oates (Elphin), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.
