Tributes paid to ‘truly dedicated’ Sligo GAA player and dad following sudden death

Brendan McGrath of Rathlee, Easkey, Co Sligo, died “unexpectedly” according to his death notice on RIP.ie.

The notice states that Brendan, of Rathlee, Easkey, Sligo, was the “beloved husband of Dayna and adored father of Finn and Tadhg, treasured son of Joe and Mary, and dear brother of Ciaran, Margaret, Eugene and James”.

“He will be forever missed by his heartbroken family, his grandmother Anne, mother-in-law Bernie, father-in law John, sisters-in-law Valerie, Sarah and Clare, brothers-in-law Paul and Darren, nieces, Lisa, Eva, Sarah and Kate, nephews Shane, and Jack, his aunts and uncles, cousins, his wide circle of friends and teammates at Easkey GAA,” the notice reads.

Brendan will be reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday evening, July 10 from 5pm until 8pm.

His funeral will arrive at the Star of the Sea Church, Rathlee, Co Sligo, for Requiem Mass on Thursday morning, July 11 at 11.30am followed by burial in Roslea Cemetery, Easkey.

In a tribute piece posted online, Easkey GAA said it was “with deep shock and a heavy heart that we, as a club, committee members, players and entire community learned of the heart-breaking news on the sad passing of our senior player, coach and dear friend Brendan McGrath:.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dayna, his sons Finn and Tadgh and all of the McGrath, Flannelly and Byrne families,” the post reads.

“Brendan was a long serving senior player, making his senior debut in 1998 and was currently playing in his 27th year of senior football including kicking four points on Friday evening’s win over Geevagh.

“He excelled as an underage player, leading the team to U-16, minor and U-21 titles, along with winning an All-Ireland Vocational Schools title.”

The club added that Brendan “had an instant impact at senior level, helping the team to reach the senior final in 1999, before going on to win three intermediate titles, including captaining the team to the intermediate title in 2010”.

He was also part of the Connacht and Sligo Junior winning team that reached Croke Park and won an All-Ireland Junior title with Sligo in 2010.

“Brendan was also a truly dedicated clubman,” the tribute continues. “He was a coach for our U-7 and U-9 teams, volunteered to help out with works to our club grounds and was always on the other end of the phone when we needed his advice or expertise. His passion and love for football and the club was incomparable.

“He will be sadly missed by all in Easkey GAA.”

Alongside the post, numerous messages of condolence have been left with many from the GAA community.

One reads: “Sincere condolences to Dayna, Finn, Tadhg, the McGrath Family, Brendan friends and the whole Sea Blues community.

“What a devastating loss to us all Brendan was a fantastic competitor for his beloved Sea Blues and a great Man off the pitch.”

Castlerea St Kevin’s offered condolences to Brendan’s family and friends and all involved in Easkey GAA.

Another added: “Condolences to Dayna and all the McGrath family. Tragic news. Brendan always gave effort for his beloved Sea Blues. He was a gentleman and thinking of his family and friends in this tough time. RIP Brendan.”

Another reads: “Tubbercurry GAA Club wishes to extend its sympathies to Brendan’s family, friends, club mates and the whole community of Easkey at this very difficult time.”

“And all in Castleconnor GAA would like to extend its sympathies to Brendan’s family, friends and club mates at this very difficult time.”