The late Brian Gormley The death of Brian Gormley, Knock Rd, Claremorris, on December 5, 2006 evoked much sadness and sympathy in the area. Brian was a fine gentleman and a very well respected member of the community. Brian was born in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, in 1923 and moved to Claremorris with his family, when he was three years old. Brian was an employee of the Claremorris Bacon Factory for almost 50 years. Work was hard and the hours were long back in the 1950s and 1960s and employment was hard got. Claremorris Bacon Factory provided good employment at that time and the local hinterland was hit hard when it closed down. Brian appreciated the value of having a good job and, under his guidance as Union Secretary for over 30 years, workers saw many improvements in working conditions and wages during that time. Brian was an ideal choice as Union Secretary because of his honesty and integrity. He could be relied upon to represent the case of an individual, or indeed the entire workforce, in a fair and balanced manner. Although retired at the time, Brian was greatly saddened by the closure of the factory. Brain was an avid GAA fan and rarely missed a football match in earlier years. When Claremorris entered teams in underage competitions for the first time in the late '50s and '60s, Brian was to the fore-front in preparing and coaching the young players. He was a member of the Club for many years and as well as holding down many positions within the Club, Brian also attended the South Board and County Board as a delegate. He was noted for his ability as a fine speaker who presented the views of the Club in a reasoned and balanced manner. Brian was also a keen Manchester United fan and travelled to Old Trafford to see his favourite soccer player, Roy Keane, in action. Brian was an excellent snooker and billiard player and won many cups and trophies for both games. He was a member of the Foresters Hall Billiards and Snooker Club in the Town Hall for many years. Brian enjoyed a game of solo and played with his mates every week until his illness. Above all, Brian was a wonderful family man, always putting his wife and family first. He will always be remembered for his honesty and direct approach - if he had something to say, he said it to one's face, there was no going behind one's back. One knew exactly where they stood with him. Brian was a man of deep and abiding faith and a member of the Total Abstinence Association all his life. He accepted his long illness with dignity and resignation and breathed his last, surrounded by his wife and family in his own home. His death is deeply regretted by all who knew him, but particularly by his wife Mai; daughters Shiela and Helen; sons Vincent and Brian; brother Vincent; daughter in law, sons in law, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Courtesy of the Western People 27 February 2007 Tweet

Most Read Stories