EAST Clare marked the passing, in recent days, of Scariff man Brendan Cosgrove, with many tributes to his positive and lasting impact on his native area.

Over the course of his 40 year career with Golden Vale/Kerry Agribusiness in Scariff, Brendan was well known and highly respected across the region.

At his funeral mass, Parish Priest Fr Joe McMahon described Brendan as “decent, kind and honourable”.

He added that the Cappabane native was “a man who enhanced the life of everyone he knew; a man that you went away feeling better for having met; a man who inspired great respect, but also great affection”.

Brendan’s achievements in sport and his contribution to his local club were also fondly remembered.

“Everyone who knew Brendan, knew of his interest in sport and he was very ecumenical in his choice of sports – hurling, football, snooker – all equally fascinating, and lots of other sports as well,” Fr McMahon said.

“In his school days, he represented the Community College and the county.

“When his own sporting days were over, he was that supporter that every club and every parish relies on and loves to see,” Fr McMahon said.

Brendan’s cousin Gerry also noted his love of Scariff Hurling. He recalled how proud Brendan had been last September when they won the Intermediate Championship.

He also spoke of Brendan’s love of listening to games on Scariff Bay Community Radio when he was unable to attend games.

Tribute was also paid to Christina McKenna and her family who cared for Brendan for many years and who were credited with prolonging his life.

In a tribute on Facebook, Scariff Hurling noted Brendan’s deep connection to the club: “His father, Rogie, was a legend in the club having won a senior championship medal with Scariff in the famous 1946 final.

“Brendan presented the Scariff club with a trophy in memory of Rogie which is awarded each season to the Club Person of the Year. As a club member and and supporter Brendan was an example to us all.”

Brendan is survived by his cousins Paddy, Gerry, and Geraldine and their family and extended family in Dublin; Brenda, Claire, Sean and the Mason family Sheaun, Scarriff and his long-life friend Christina McKenna and her family.

He was laid to rest on Monday last (December 27) in the Old Cemetery in Moynoe, after funeral mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Scariff.