Liam Brennan RIP
The Executive Committee, members and staff of the Irish Judo Association send their deepest condolences to the Brennan family on the passing of Liam Brennan, who will be sadly missed by his children Liam, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Donna and Robert, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother, sister, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Below is a a beautifully written epilogue by a fellow former President of the Irish Judo Association – Mark Forde.
“The sport of Irish Judo has lost yet another great. Liam Brennan, former President of the Association, has passed away. Liam was a family man who sadly lost his wife Sadie earlier this year. My condolences to his much loved children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Liam had a second family and love and it was our sport of Judo. Like many of those who have past before him, many of our current membership will not know Liam. To others like myself who grew up in Judo, Liam was ever present in the sport for the past 50 plus years and because Liam was involved from before I was born, I can really only give a very brief overview of his early involvement. I apologise if I get any details wrong.
Liam did judo in the famous Daigokan Judo Club. He graded to the high grade of yellow belt and happily stayed at this grade for at least 35 years. (He was awarded a honorary Dan grade about 15 years ago). Liam was a yellow belt who went on to referee in Judo. Not only that, he coached players in the club, arranged competitions and probably everything else, Liam was maybe the only yellow belt to coach international players. He has sat in the chair while some of our best fought. I can fondly remember him shouting instructions while I fought against players at national events when I got to know him.
Liam was a founding member of the Leinster Judo Council. He was the main organiser of the Leinster Open for maybe at least 20 years. Liam joined the Executive Committee of the Irish Judo Association and served as the Honorary General Secretary and President by rotation for decades with Pat Hickey. He followed Pat into the politics of the European Judo Union and went on to serve as Assistant Treasurer to the EJU. A huge honour for a small country in European Judo.
How do I know so much of Liam’s history? As I said at the start Liam was always present in our sport but 30 years ago I worked as the development officer of the sport where I worked daily with Liam in the office as my direct manager while he was President. We developed a great bond and friendship that remained since. He was like a mentor when it came politics or administration in our sport. He supported me by becoming the Honorary General Secretary when I became President.
We have travelled to many events together both in Ireland and abroad and Liam’s love of our sport never faded. Over the decades we have discussed and debated the sport of Judo for hours on end. Even with his health fading, Liam’s love and interest of the sport was there. Only two weeks ago Leo Gibbons and myself went for lunch with Liam which is something we have done over the last twenty years or so. Liam, as always was discussing Judo and especially Leinster Judo and the upcoming Leinster Open.
Sadly Liam’s health has declined in the last year, especially since the passing of his beloved wife Sadie. He is now at rest himself. Our Judo family has lost a friend. I certainly have lost a close friend.
RIP Liam, Soremade.”
Mark Forde
Former President
Irish Judo Association
Funeral Details
Reposing at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Directors, Bayside on Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral mass on Thursday morning at 11am in the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney followed by cremation in Dardistown Crematorium. Family flowers only.
May He Rest In Peace.
