Collins, Noel
May 05, 2012
Gaels in London were saddened by the news last weekend of the passing of St Brendan's Honorary President Noel Collins, after a period of illness. Armagh native Collins, who had been a member of St Brendan's since the mid 1970s was a regular and well-known figure around Ruislip for many years. Having excelled as a club player in both Armagh, with his home club Tullysaran O'Connells and also in Tyrone with Moy Tir na nOg, Noel spent several years in Melbourne, Australia, before settling in and around the Hayes and Ruislip areas of London.
Noel was ever present at St Brendan's matches. He was often to be found nestled against the wire at Ruislip, behind the clubhouse goals, accompanied, as always, by his partner Mona. After the match you were sure to find Noel settled over a pint back at the bar. It was there that he was quick to offer his analysis of the performance; issuing praise where merited but never shying away from dispensing some frank criticism where it was due either!
He was the type of clubman every club values, never wavering in his support but never afraid to ask searching questions. Noel was a true gentleman and his good humour made him an engaging man to talk to. Tales of past St Brendan's teams and yarns about his youthful days back home were all delivered in his familiar Armagh brogue, an impish grin never far from the surface.
A proud Armagh man, his other sporting ventures stretched to road bowling, pool and many hours spent on the golf course. Noel was a strong willed character who made little of ailments that would have beaten lesser men. Unfortunately in recent weeks he encountered an illness even he couldn't overcome. As ever though, he was determined to succumb on his own terms only.
In a style typical of Noel, he had spent Friday night eating, drinking and reminiscing with his lifelong St Brendan's friends for one last time.
Those friends can tell stories of Noel dating back decades and he'll be sadly missed by all St Brendan's members everywhere as well as GAA followers all across London.
Rest in Peace Noel: gentleman, friend and true St Brendan's legend.
No doubt there's a stool set aside upstairs with a pint glass within easy reach and a queue of people clambering to listen to your tales.
The Irish Post, May 5, 2012
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