RIP: An Offaly GAA and Clara stalwart remembered

Brendan O’Meara, a Clara GAA and community stalwart, from Oratory Road, Clara passed to his eternal reward on December 2, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Eileen, brothers Denis, Michael and John, half sisters Josie and Kathleen and his nephew Justin. He is sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Patricia, daughter Deirdre, sons Pádraig and Ciarán, cherished grandchildren Cathal, Caoimhe, Clodagh, Aoibhinn, Adam, Oisín, Diarmuid, John, Sadhbh, Niamh and Senan, sister Marian, son-in-law David, daughters-in-law Loretta and Majella, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

From a family steeped in GAA, he made his mark for his club and county, and served with distinction as a secretary and committee member for many years after his illustrious playing career ended. 

He enjoyed many successful underage years in the colours of Clara leading up to 1960 - a landmark year in Clara folklore, as the club won its first ever senior football championship. After drawing with Tullamore, the replay saw Clara win 3-07 to 1-05. Brendan was a used substitute in both matches as the Dowling Cup made its first journey to Clara. After two quieter seasons the senior players regrouped and set their sights on the 1964 championship. Clara reached the final, played the following year on 5 May 1965. They defeated a highly fancied Rhode side 1-10 to 1-07, with Brendan lining out at corner forward as the Dowling Cup returned once again.

Brendan played every grade of football and hurling for the club. He also played on some very good Goodbody's teams in the early 60's regularly competing for Leinster and All Ireland interfirm cups. When his playing days ended he remained deeply involved as a coach and selector across both codes and at all levels. 

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In 1990 alone he coached the Under-12 footballers, the minor hurlers, and served as a selector with the senior, junior and Under-21 football teams. He also acted as assistant club secretary and Bord na nÓg secretary. 

He became club secretary in 1991 and held the role for ten consecutive years, a period that proved to be one of the most successful in the club’s history. Clara won two more senior football titles in 1991 and 1993 and contested a Leinster Club final. Underage titles were secured at every grade, and the club received “Club of the Year” honours twice.

Brendan was a trustee and life member of Clara GAA Club. He followed a great tradition of Gaelic games after his father Paddy who was also deeply embedded in the club.

As he made his final journey following his Funeral Mass which was celebrated by Fr Joe Deegan PP, and concelebrated by Fr Barry Condron PP and Fr Arnold Rosney Co-PP,  a guard of honour was provided outside Scoil Phroinsiais Naofa where he introduced many young children to the joys of GAA, in his guise as coach. His final journey, which began with a guard of honour from Clara GAA, also saw a lap of the new GAA grounds, which he had been instrumental in purchasing, a facility which will cater for future generations of players for many years to come. 

However, Brendan’s talents weren’t simply confined to GAA and he was a keen golfer, and also was the 1971 Leinster pitch and putt champion. 

He was also a founding member of Clara Credit Union. 

A very well-read man with a love of history, Brendan co-authored three Tommy Harris books, along with a local Pioneer book and the Clara GAA history book An Clárach An Scéal 1884 to 1994. 

He kept abreast of current affairs to the end and the reading of a newspaper was a daily ritual, as were walks down The Curragh with his faithful companion, Pedro.  

He also was a skilled handyman and could turn his hand to block-laying, tiling, carpentry etc. He proved to be a great help when his own children were building and renovating their own homes. 

He worked for many years in Goodbody’s in the town and was heavily involved in the social club there. 

Family holidays were greatly enjoyed and fondly remembered, particularly many trips to Rome with his beloved Patricia. 

While he gave so much to his local community, he was happiest at home with his family where he loved watching Only Fools and Horses, Dad’s Army and Last of the Summer Wine. 

Patience and wise counsel were a hallmark of his life, which made him a wonderful husband, and much-loved father and grandfather. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.