Remembering Murty Brennan
The community in Kilkenny is in mourning following the passing of Murty Brennan, talented musician, dedicated community activist and successful soccer coach. After early education in CBS Primary and Secondary Schools, Murty, following the sound of a different drum, embarked on working life with an enthusiastic, independent vibrancy. Not one to follow the well-trodden track, Murty entered the workforce the same way as he lived his life — freely, fearlessly and on his own terms. That spirit defined everything that followed.
Illness
Quickly, entrepreneurial endeavours followed and Murty ran a restaurant, a clothes store, a toy store and a furniture outlet. All these projects were relatively successful but when a major breakthrough was imminent, disaster struck. A serious illness derailed his plans and his dreams and aspirations were put on hold. A liver transplant saved his life but the recovery process was slow and arduous. Resilient and determined, Murty battled back, refocused, and once more followed his personal drummer.
Speaking of his death, Mayor Andrew McGuinness commented that Murty was a great community man who had an incredible ability to bring people together, particularly minority groups and worked tirelessly to make sure that space was available to every one that needed it.
“He will be sadly missed”, said Andrew.
Clancy
Murty assumed the role of Stage Manager at the Watergate Theatre and his enthusiasm and dynamism brought enjoyment and fulfilment. The legendary Liam Clancy, on hearing Murty was a songwriter and performer, handed Murty his second guitar, and both men sang in the theatre Green Room prior to one of Clancy’s shows. Two men relaxed in each other’s company, simply doing what they loved
Celtic
Celtic Cry, the brainchild of Murty, ran at the Watergate during a Summer season. Celtic Cry told the story of the history of Ireland from the beginning of time.
Murty began writing original material for the Celtic Cry show in 2010. Then, with the help of Musical Director John Travers and a cast of international musicians, he created a show for all nationalities and ages. The hard work and commitment was a boon to the Watergate that Summer season and enthused both tourists and locals. “Murty’s secret was that as a musician, or writer, he was always prepared to try something new. Nothing was ever a problem as far as Murty
was concerned” said John Travers. Musician and singer with The High Kings, Darren Holden said he was devastated to hear the news of Murty’s passing. Darren reminisced as to how Murty gave him his first Kilkenny City gig back in the early 90’s when he was running the Indian Restaurant on Pudding Lane. “We became friends and stayed in regular contact, from then up to his death” said Darren.
Athletics
In his youth Murty was an exceptionally talented athlete and represented Kilkenny locally, nationally, and internationally. As his athletics career closed, his competitiveness encompassed Pitch & Putt. He became a very accomplished player and won a multitude of championships. Representing Newpark Pitch & Putt Club, Murty won a National doubles title partnered by fellow
Newpark neighbour and friend Ger Grace. Murty also had a stint as a soccer goalkeeper and modestly claimed to be its pre-eminent exponent for over a decade. Age and illness saw him remove the gloves but, undeterred, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of team coach. With Newpark in the Kilkenny District League and with Old Road Villa in the Carlow League, he guided underachievers to ultimate glory. His players, while appreciating the trophies, will perhaps remember him best for the encouragement, discipline and the self-belief he instilled.
On their social media page , Newpark FC stated: “Murty sunk his heart and soul into everything he did in life, including the years of work he did for, and on behalf of, Newpark Football club. Murty volunteered so much of his time to us, something we will be forever grateful for”.
Community
But it is perhaps for his tireless work as a community activist that he will be most fondly remembered. His work with Kilkenny Public Participation Network, Age Alliance, Kilkenny Volunteer Centre and the Older People’s Council allowed him to become a vociferous advocate for the people of Kilkenny. Allied to these endeavours, Murty was prominently involved when Newpark celebrated its 60th anniversary with a celebration dinner in O’ Loughlin Gaels GAA Club. Following the success of this venture, Murty became a founding member of the Newpark Residents Association and was to the fore as the estate delivered a beneficial regeneration programme.
Not content with this workload, Murty founded the Twilight Community Group, with the expressed aim of supporting integration and cultural understanding. Twilight’s success can be gauged by the international involvement in their Intercultural Conference held every year in Kilkenny. Delegates from France, Poland, Italy, USA, Hungary, Morocco, Romania, Ukraine, Bangladesh, South Sudan, Spain and Malta attend.
Ireland, represented by TDs, Mayors, County Council officials, and leaders of many of the major charitable organisations within the State.
Romania
Liviu Iftime, from the Romanian community, said that Murty Brennan was the man who welcomed him, trusted him, and gave him a voice here in Kilkenny. “ He was a kind, brave man who brought people together – that is his greatest legacy – and I will try to carry it forward. I will never forget him,”concluded Liviu. Arising from this involvement, Murty was named as the Polish Consul for the South East. The overriding ethos of his community involvement was ensuring that everyone not only had a place at the table, but had a voice also.Family
No mention of Murty’s life would be complete without mentioning his family. His wife Sandra was his rock. She supported him, guided him and nursed him through the difficult times. In her quiet, unassuming way she was the glue that solidified the family dynamic. Their children Mark, Philip and Eve brought focus, stability and fulfilment. His grandchildren Luke, Robin and Mia gave him a renewed zest for life and filled his days with enormous joy and happiness. Hopefully as they grow older they will understand how they completed Murty’s existence.
Murty was a multifaceted individual — abrasive, determined, dictatorial at times — but he will be best remembered as a man of principle, great warmth and generosity, always ready with a word of Support or a helping hand.His passing leaves a silence in our lives, within the music scene, on the sideline, and in the heart of the community he served so well. But his legacy will live on — in the songs he sang, the people he loved, and the many families who found a home because he made them welcome.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
(Ger Cody)
