Scariff mourns passing of of a local legend

WARM tributes have been paid on the passing of Scariff’s Seán Brogan, described as “a man who did so much in the course of his life”.

Mr Brogan, of Cappabane, was Chairperson of Scariff GAA Club. He was widely known and highly respected in sporting and political circles across the county and further afield. On Sunday last, in Cusack Park, ahead of the meeting of Clare and Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, supporters showed their respect during a minute’s silence.

At his funeral mass on Monday (May 23) in Scariff, mourners shared fond memories of Mr Brogan’s many achievements and the impact he made on his community. 

Requiem mass was concelebrated by Parish Priest, Fr Joe McMahon and Fr Brendan Moloney. Fr McMahon spoke of Mr Brogan’s “preoccupation with the GAA” and remembered him as “a man who did so much for the young people of the parish”. Tributes brought to the altar included a Scariff Hurling jersey, a Fianna Fáil logo, a deck of cards, a Clare County Council high vis jacket, a child’s hurly, a set of car keys, a radio and a toy Zetor tractor. Mr Brogan’s niece Rachel described her uncle as “a proud GAA man”, adding that he was “truly honoured” to hold the role of Chairperson of Scariff GAA.

In his homily, Fr McMahon described Mr Brogan’s close ties to his community. “He was brought up in a home full of love and was a dedicated family man,” he said. “He was brave and accepting of his illness and so gentle and sensitive to the last.”

Representing the parish and the GAA, Ger Rodgers said that during his life, Seán Brogan had “left hugely positive memories”. He detailed Mr Brogan’s time, in the 1970s, in minor and U21 hurling. “He was probably best known for his stewardship of ‘Brogan’s Army’, the junior team,” Mr Rodgers said. “He managed them to success on many occasions.” 

An incident during which Mr Brogan was umpire in a hurling match between Scariff and Feakle was also recalled. When Mr Brogan “diverted” a ball into the back of the net for Scariff, the result was “consternation and howls of laughter”. 

Mr Brogan’s role in the development of Scariff’s Millennium Park was also described. “He helped raise untold funds,” Mr Rodgers said. “He was club chairman at the time of his passing and he was calm and assured in that role. We are disappointed he won’t see the culmination of efforts to develop the facilities, but we will do him proud.”

Mr Brogan’s cousin Brendan Noonan recounted a practical joke in 2004, in which a local election poster for Fine Gael candidate and neighbour, Joe Cooney was erected on his uncle’s tractor. He spoke of his dedication to Fianna Fáil and to farming. “Cappabane was the centre of his earth,” he said. “When I went on holidays there, little did I realise I’d be staying in a legend’s house.”

His niece Sarah Moloney described him as “a gentleman, rogue, character and legend”. She spoke of his dedication and kindness to his nieces and nephews and the “absolute grace” with which he bore his illness. “Seán always had time for everyone,” she said. “He had a short, but fun-filled, beautiful life.”

From political circles, tributes also came from Fianna Fáil representatives, including Councillor Pat Hayes. The Caher man said he was “deeply saddened” at news of Mr Brogan’s passing. “Seán was a true and true supporter of his beloved Scariff hurling club and a loyal supporter of Fianna Fáil,” he said. 

Deputy Cathal Crowe in a tribute said: ”What a man for Scariff Hurling club, his community and the Fianna Fáil party.”

Senator Timmy Dooley described Seán Brogan as “a loyal friend to many people and diligent worker for Clare County Council”. “His interest in sport was well known, particularly the GAA,” Senator Dooley’s tribute said. “He was one of the great Stalwarts of Scariff and Clare Hurling. He was passionate too about politics and was a life time member and supporter of FF. Always available at election time and beyond to give advice and help out with canvassing.”

In their tribute, Scariff GAA said: “Sean’s passing has left a huge void both in our club and in our community. A mighty oak has fallen in the forest and the gap will not be easily filled. Yet as a club and community we are buoyed by his memory, his example and his legacy. We must strive to honour those and follow in his footsteps”.

Mr Brogan is survived by his sister Mary, brother Michael, close cousin Brendan, brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Rena, nieces Rachel, Sarah, Kayleigh-Jayne, Deirdre and Aileen, nephews Eugene and Ciarán, grand-nieces Elizabeth, Layla and Emily, grand-nephews Jason, Aaron and James as well as his extended family, great neighbours in Cappabane and Ogonnelloe, and his many friends in County Clare and beyond.