Large crowds attend Funeral Mass and wake for popular vet in Offaly

LARGE crowds attended the Funeral Mass in Ballycommon Church on Friday of a popular local vet who passed away suddenly.

There has been an outpouring of shock at sadness in the wider Tullamore and Roscrea areas following his sudden passing. 

Noel Bracken MVB, Bracklin and Tullamore, passed away suddenly at home. He was co-owner of Damer Veterinary Clinic in Roscrea.

Huge crowds attended his wake on Wednesday and Thursday and his Funeral Mass in Saint Francis of Assisi & Bridget Church, Ballycommon, outside Tullamore, on Friday last.

A tribute was also held by Noel's colleagues, friends and members of Roscrea rugby club outside Damer Veterinary when his remains passed by last week on the journey to Noel's parents' home in Bracklin.

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He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his devoted parents, Moss and Martha, his beloved sister Marie, his dear brothers James, Barry, and Aidan, along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, housemates, and his many treasured friends and colleagues to whom the deepest sympathy is extended.

Noel grew up on the family farm and worked in the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore while studying in college.

A keen sportsman, the 33-year-old was involved with Roscrea rugby club and also played GAA. His brother, Aidan is a member of the Offaly senior football panel, and his brother, Barry is a former captain with Tullamore rugby club.

His younger brother, James, is a Lieutenant with the Army Equestrian School at McKee Barracks while his sister, Marie is a speech and language therapist.

Chaplains from the Army Equestrian School concelebrated Noel's Requiem Mass on Friday last.

Heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie following Noel's sudden passing. 

One wrote, "so shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Noel - someone who always brought a smile to the faces of those who had the pleasure of his company. A true gentleman - he will be sadly missed. Thinking of all of Noel's family and friends at this really tough time."

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Another wrote, "Noel looked after many cats and dogs for me in the clinic. He was a gentleman, always smiling and outstanding at his job. He was one in a million. May he rest in peace."

One on behalf of UCD Veterinary School reads, "everyone here in UCD Vet School is so saddened to hear of Noel's passing - a young colleague hugely liked and respected by his classmates and all the staff here in Belfield. The number of his peers who have reached out is simple testament to the kind, considerate and unselfish human being we deeply appreciated and can only say were privileged to know. We really feel with you, his family and friends, now and in the future."

Tipperary Regional Veterinary College also paid tribute to Noel. "Sincere sympathies to the Bracken family and the staff of Damer Veterinary Clinic from the staff of Tipperary Regional Veterinary Office. Noel was an outstanding veterinary practitioner and held in high esteem by the staff of the office."

Kilclonfert GAA Club also posted a condolence message. "Kilclonfert GAA extend their deepest sympathies to Moss, Martha, Marie, James, Barry and Aidan on the untimely passing of Noel. May he rest in peace."

Ballycommon GAA cancelled its bingo last week as a mark of respect and also postponed its Division 1 League match last Friday.