Tipperary councillors pay tribute to former Fine Gael colleague - the late Joe Brennan

Tributes were paid at Tipperary County Council's April meeting in Clonmel today (Monday, April 14) to former Fine Gael councillor Joe Brennan, who died on Saturday, and a vote of sympathy was passed to his grieving family.

The Council meeting was adjourned for five minutes as a mark of respect to the former Grangemockler publican and father-of-two, who was also very well known in GAA circles and was a former chairman of South Tipperary GAA Board.

Mr Brennan from Breanormore, Nine-Mile-House was a member of the former South Tipperary County Council between 2009 and 2014 and represented the former Fethard Electoral Area. He narrowly missed out on being elected to the united Tipperary County Council in the 2014 local election.

Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Burgess of Fine Gael led the tributes to the late Mr Brennan and proposed the adjournment of the council meeting and vote of sympathy. 

The Cashel councillor said Joe had been a “huge asset” to the Council and people he represented in the old Fethard Electoral Area, which has been replaced by the Carrick-on-Suir Local Electoral Area. 

Fine Gael Cllr Marie Murphy, a good friend of Mr Brennan's, described the news of his death as “just heartbreaking” and extended her sincere condolences to his grieving wife Eadaoin, children Eimear and Tiarnach, sisters Martina, Noreen, Denise and Samantha, aunt Mary, stepmother Margaret other relatives and friends.

She said it came as a “bolt out of the blue” when Joe was diagnosed with cancer last August and she recalled how he told her he was going to fight it and win but unfortunately the battle was too big.

“It's just heartbreaking. He is taken from us too soon and may he rest in peace,” said the Clogheen councillor.

Carrick-on-Suir Sinn Féin Cllr David Dunne also extended his deepest condolences and recalled how he went to school with the late Mr Brennan in Carrick-on-Suir and they were election rivals in the Fethard Electoral Area in two local elections.

He remembered him as a great community man who was also noted for his involvement in the GAA.

Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English said he also had the honour of serving with Joe on the former South Tipperary County Council. “He was a real hard worker and worked tirelessly with the local community. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Clonmel Fianna Fáil Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said it was very sad to hear of Joe Brennan's passing, and like her colleagues remembered him as a very committed councillor and great worker for his community and the GAA.

Independent Clonmel Cllr Richie Molloy, who also served with him on the former South Tipperary County Council, echoed her sentiments.

“I have great memories of him. He was a great community man and it's a sad morning for his family. Our thoughts are with his family," he said. 

Mr Brennan's remains will reposing in Brett's Funeral Home in Mullinahone (E41EV78) on Tuesday, April 15 from 4pm - 8pm.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 16 at 12 noon in St Mary's Church, Grangemockler, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

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