Mr BRENDAN MANNION Rory O’Connor Road, Tuam
THE sudden death of Brendan Mannion at the early age of 54 on St Stephen’s Day caused widespread regret among all who knew him.
Brendan, a native of St Enda’s Avenue, Tuam, where he lived most of his life, was taken ill at his new home at 13 Rory O’Connor Road and died peacefully on December 26 at University Hospital, Galway.
Born on July 14, 1957, he was one of the last generation of children to be born at home in Tuam. He and his younger sister Teresa were delivered by their mother Lizzie with the expert assistance of Nurse Burke.
His father Seamus was an expert judge of horses and a well-known dealer, and Brendan inherited his love of horses.
After school at the CBS on Dublin Road, Brendan worked for the Board of Works on the Corrib Drainage, and later in the textile factory on the Weir Road. However most of his working life was spent as a self-employed salesman in stationery.
Brendan had a great love of music, and was an ardent Elvis Presley fan. He will long be remembered for his impressions of the King that he performed in local pubs and at the Tuam Festival. He was the life and soul of the party and brought fun and happiness to many.
He also enjoyed classic films, and his sporting interests, as well as horses, included boxing and football. He loved to back the winning team, but took it in his stride if they lost.
He was kindhearted, and looked after the elderly, in particular one old friend who he brought to collect his pension and do his shopping. He could be relied on to bring his pals home from the pub when asked.
In recent years his health deteriorated, but he bore his illness with fortitude, patience and dignity. He retained his great sense of humour and his family got a pleasant surprise on Christmas morning when he rang each of them individually to wish them the compliments of the season.
His family are very grateful to their sister Eilish for her extreme care of Brendan when he needed her. Not alone was she his sister, she was his best friend and nothing could repay her contribution to his life.
Brendan is survived by his brother George (Loughrea), sisters Philomena, Eilish, Mary (Tuam) and Teresa (Manchester), extended family and friends.
His remains were removed from Grogan’s Funeral Home to Tuam Cathedral where Fr Francis Mitchell Adm officiated. Following Mass concelebrated by Frs Sean Cunningham CC and Kevin Blade on December 29, he was interred in Tuam Cemetery.