Tributes paid after sad death of Offaly football hero

THE death has taken place of an Offaly footbally hero from the 1960s. Sean Brereton was a key performer on the first great Offaly football team, the 1960 and 1961 Leinster senior football champions.

Their achievements paved the way for the future ultimate success and they have enjoyed iconic status in Offaly for decades.

A native of Bracknagh, Sean Brereton was one of the best players on that great side. He played centre half forward as Offaly beat Louth to win their first Leinster title in 1960. He was midfield as they lost to Down in the 1961 All-Ireland final, played in front of a record attendance in Croke Park.

A very highly regarded footballer, strong and honest, he made his Offaly senior football debut against Louth in the championship in 1955. He went on to play 70 competitive league and championship games for Offaly, lining out for the last time in a 1963 championship defeat by Laois.

His calibre is shown by the fact that he played for Leinster in three Railway Cup wins in 1959, 19601 and 1962. He also played for Ireland in 1961.

He played most of his club football in Bracknagh but moved into Daingean during his playing career and transferred to them near the end of it. He played for Daingean for the first time in the 1964 championship and was coach as they won the Senior Football Championship in 1965, with Fr Conlan as manager and he later served as club secretary in 1969 and 1970. He immersed himself in the Daingean area and was involved in organising local sports days as well as Community Games in the 1970s.

He was a selector as Offaly won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971 and 1972, under manager Fr Tom Gillooley and his contribution to the county is profound.

A personable, very popular man with a great devotion to his family, he had a lifelong interest in the GAA. He lived on Daingean's Main Street for decades and it was very much his home while he remained proud of his Bracknagh roots.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Mary, parents William and Marcella, sister Carmel and brother Oliver. Sean will be sadly missed and always remembered by his loving daughters Doloreen, Majella, Jacqueline, Siobhán, Fionnuala and Eithne, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Reposing at his home on Saturday from 4pm until Rosary that night at 8pm. Removal on Sunday morning at 11am to Mary Mother of God Church, Daingean, arriving for 11.15am Funeral Mass. Burial after Mass in St. Mary's Cemetery, Daingean.