The Late Brendan Vaughan There was widespread sadness throughout the GAA world at the death of Brendan Vaughan after a short illness. A lifelong member of the GAA, he had served on the executive of the county board in many capacities, including two terms as chairman. He also served as chairman of the Munster council. His popularity was very much in evidence at both the removal of his remains from his home in Newmarket on Sunday evening and again at the funeral Mass and burial. Members of the GAA from all levels as well as members of the I.N.T.O. formed a guard of honour and the graveside orations at Fenloe cemetery were delivered by Des-Lynch, chairman of the Clooney-Quin club and Sean Hehir on behalf of the I.N.T.O. Former Claire hurling great Jimmy Smith sang three verses of 'A Lament for Tommy Daly' as a tribute to the late Mr Vaughan. A member of the Clooney-Quin club with whom he played at every level and represented at the county board up to the time of his death, he was chairman of the county board from 1975 to 1980 when he spearheaded Cusack Park's redevelopment. He was also instrumental in influencing clubs throughout the county to purchase and develop their own playing facilities. In the mid eighties he was chairman of the Munster council for three years and he returned as chairman of the county board in 1990. Back in the early seventies Brendan was Clare's central council delegate for a number of years and he also served as assistant treasurer ('75), P.R.O. (81') and development officer ('87). At the time of his death he was president of Clare GAA, a position he was unanimously elected to at the June meeting of the county board just three weeks ago. A national teacher by profession, he served as principal at St. Senans N.S. in Shannon from 1964 until his retirement in 1997. He founded the primary schools GAA board in Clare in the 1960s and helped develop this organisation to the thriving body it is today. One of the highlights each year happens in June when the various finals are staged over three days at Cusack Park. During his life he promoted the Irish language, history, music and culture. He also was a very strong advocate of civil rights and worked very hard for the rights of the Travelling Community. Clooney-Quin chairman Des Lynch described him as "possibly the greatest clubman ever". He added, "When he returned to the parish in the late '50s he immersed himself completely in the affairs of Clooney GAA. He served the club with distinction as a player and administrator" Continuing he said, "The GAA and Clooney-Quin in particular has lost a true friend. His advice and counsel will be sadly missed" Sean Hehir paid tribute to his role in developing the primary schools' GAA structure in the county and for his work for the GAA at all levels. GAA president Sean Kelly expressed his sympathies and those of the association to Brendan's wife and family. He said that Mr Vaughan was an excellent administrator who was well known and liked within the GAA. He said he would be sorely missed by all who knew him and extended his sympathies to the Vaughan family on their sad loss. Only one item was dealt with at July meeting of the county board with the remaining matters being adjourned as a mark of respect. "He was one of the finest men I have ever known. We had a conversation every week and he advised me on many matters," said Clare chairman Michael McDonagh. Many of the delegates in attendance paid tribute to the former chairman including P.J. Fitzpatrick (primary schools delegate), Eugene McMahon (I.N.T.O.) Des Lynch (Clooney-Quin) P.J. McMahon (Newmarket), John Lynch (Kilkee) Robert Frost (O'Callaghans Mills), Liam Griffin (Eire Og), Martin Reynolds (Clarecastle) Frank Quinn (Meelick) and John Corbett ( Sixmilebridge). Officers Pat Fitzgerald (Secretary),Padraig Mac Mathuna ( Irish Officer), Noel O'Driscoll ( Coaching Officer) and John Keane ( Assistant Secretary) all paid tribute to the former chairman. Courtesy of the Clare Champion 8th July 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories