Breen, Tommy
September 24, 2010Carhue, Corraclare
1918- 2010
"There was Sullivan, Brown and young Lillis
Tubridy, Martyn and Green,
Hickey, Collins and Crowley
with Lorrigan and fair Tommy Breen"
(Song in honour of 1945 county senior champions)
In the early hours of Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Tommy Breen was called to his heavenly home, leaving behind an adoring wife and family and a mountain of wonderful memories, stretching back almost 92 years.
Tommy farmed in Carhue all his life. He was quiet unassuming man, who fervently believed in the value of hard work and the importance of community. An outstanding neighbour, Tommy was readily available to assist whatever the task and did so without fuss or favour. His home with Agatha was ever welcoming and many a chorus emanated from Breen's kitchen, where singsongs were common. After a little persuasion, Tommy,a noted singer, would accede to his own party piece, Thady O'Neill.
Apart from Agatha, Lourdes and Tomás, Tommy's other great passion in life was Gaelic football and Cooraclare GAA Club, whose club grounds bordered his land. Tommy played in goal in the senior championship victories of 1944 against Kilfernora and 1945 against Quilty, when in the second half Tommy was moved to full-forward whee he broke the ball for John Mescall to score the winning goal in the final minute.
Tommy's prowess was also noted by Clare, being rewarded with position of goalkeeper for the Clare seniors. In reflection on the glory years of the '40s, John Quealy wrote in the club history, The Milesians, of "Tommy Breen, gentlemanly in victory and defeat".
The club history also documents a report on the 1938 minor championship final victory where "Lahinch levelled matters and continued to attack the Cooraclare goal, only to see their efforts perish on the rock that was Tommy Breen at full-back".
Tommy's involvement in the club continued long after his playing career and he played a hugely significant role in the development of the club's grounds in Carhue. As a next-door neighbour, Tommy was often called upon for assistance, to borrow this and that, and all requests were met with a positive response and a warm smile.
He gave land to ensure a proper road could be constructed and through the years, Breen's field adjacent to the pitch has often been used for parking and even training. In his latter years, Tommy was present for the switching on of the floodlights and loved to sit at his window to the lights tower above the venue, home to many of his fond memories.
Tommy was immensely proud of Cooraclare GAA Club and of his contribution to it. It was indeed a very proud occasion for him and his family when in 2006, CLG Cuar and Chláir bestowed on Tommy the honourary life presidency of the club. The club president's medal and certificate had a pride of place in the Breen household, when Tommy loved to reminisce of bygone football days.
On Wednesday, January 27, Tommy's coffin was escorted from his home to the doors of St Senan's Church, Cooraclare where Tommy and Agatha had married some 50 years before. Many of those who made up that guard of honour never saw Tommy grace the game he loved so well but his feats and, more importantly, his attitude were known and admired by all.
It was a lasting and fitting tribute to a respected gentleman, a devoted family man, a hardworking and a progressive farmer and a staunch Cooraclare Gael.
Solas sioraí nab h/flaíthis ort a Thomás. May you enjoy many more goalmouth scrambles in the skies. Rest gently, Fair Tommy Breen.
JMF
Courtesy of the Clare Champion
24th September 2010 Tweet
