RIP: Community mourns the loss of visionary leader and community volunteer Brian Rafferty

The death of Brian Rafferty of St Michael Street, Tipperary Town, on January 31, 2026, came as a profound shock to his family, friends and the many people in his community that he served throughout his life.

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Brian, who passed away unexpectedly, was a man of extraordinary energy, vision and generosity, whose influence can be seen and felt across Tipperary Town and far beyond it.

Predeceased by his father Pat and his brother Eoin, Brian was deeply devoted to his family. He was a loving father to his sons Rory and Tim, and daughters Elizabeth and Maebh, and a committed presence in their lives.

He shared a close bond with their mother Marianne and was a cherished partner to Marian. He is also fondly remembered by his mother Nuala, sisters Emer and Niamh, brother Niall, Marian’s children Caolin, Hayden and Alexandra, daughter in law Clara, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

After completing a business degree at the University of Limerick, he took over the family firm Rafferty Travel, founded by his father Pat, and oversaw its growth into a business operating four travel agencies until 2011.

During this time, he built a formidable reputation within the travel industry, serving on the board of the Irish Travel Agents Association for more than 20 years, including over eight years as Vice President.

Public service was a defining feature of his life. His contribution to Tipperary Town itself was exceptional.

Brian served as an elected County Councillor in Tipperary Town, where he was known for his thoughtful approach, his ability to find practical solutions and his commitment to community led development.

He was also Chairman of Tipperary IRD Integrated Rural Development, where he played a key role in supporting local enterprise, securing funding and driving initiatives aimed at strengthening the social and economic fabric of the town and surrounding areas. 

As long serving chairman of Tipperary Tidy Towns for over 20 years, Brian played a central role in transforming the physical and social fabric of the town.

He was instrumental in securing funding for  the development of the River Walk along the River Arra, negotiating access to lands and laying the foundations for what has become one of the town’s most valued amenities.

He was equally involved in the development of the Hills town park, working with local representatives and engineers to secure significant council investment.

Through his efforts, almost one million euro in funding was secured for town parks and amenities, leaving a legacy that will serve generations to come. 

Brian also commissioned a biodiversity and landscape strategy for Tipperary Town, ensuring that environmental planning and sustainability were central to its future.

Brian’s leadership style was personal and inclusive. Tidy Towns meetings were often held around his own kitchen table, and he was renowned for his ability to secure funding, motivate volunteers and see potential where others saw obstacles.

Under his guidance, Tipperary Tidy Towns evolved into a structured and resilient organisation, culminating recently in the town’s first ever bronze award, an achievement built on foundations he laid years earlier.

Speaking about Brian’s legacy, Paul O’Callaghan, Chairman of Tipperary Tidy Towns, said: “Brian was a caring individual, incredibly deep in thought and a great fundraiser -  a great man to find solutions to problems.”

Paul added, “He saw the opportunity to create tourism and develop a new opportunity for the town that it didn’t have.”

Paul described his loss as irreplaceable. “His loss can’t be replaced, he volunteered so much and gave so much to his community. That can never be replaced all we can do is live on in his memory and keep the good foot forward for the sake of Tipperary Town.”

Beyond community work, Brian had a lifelong love of water and adventure. Paul recalled, “My memories of Brian go back to his love of water. Brian has a yacht moored in Dromineer and my memory of him is canoeing down the likes of the Bilbao river and surfing Banna Strand and all the famous beaches you can surf in.”

Brian was a founding figure in the Tipperary Watersports Adventure Club, where his generosity and enthusiasm was felt by all members. 

Paul  concluded, “Brian was there for everybody and if you wanted a lift or if you needed something Brian would manage to get it. His enthusiasm was my greatest memory of him. He was so proactive.” 

Tributes following his death spoke of a true gentleman, a visionary leader and a man who gave freely of himself. Brian’s partner Marian, speaking at his funeral, described him as “simply too good to be true”.

Brian Rafferty’s passing has left a void in Tipperary Town that will be felt for many years to come. His legacy lives on in the spaces he helped create, the organisations he strengthened and the people he inspired through his kindness, energy and belief in community.

Brian was laid to rest following Requiem Mass at St Michael’s Church, Tipperary Town, with burial afterwards in St Michael’s Cemetery.

Go Lonraí Solas Síoraí Air.

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