The late Brendan O'Donoghue Br Brendan O'Donoghue De La Salle brothers, lost his battle with cancer, he put up a strong resistance but passed away peacefully on the eve of the assumption. Br Brendan was your typical Kerry man - staunch, discerning, not giving away much but reliable, sincere and loyal. He loved his native county, a game of cards and in his youth he was an accomplished footballer. He was born in Loobridge Clonkeen, Glenflesk, where he received a solid wholesome education both in the home and at school. When he arrived at the De La Salle Boarding School Castletown, Cork, he was fluent in Irish and was a sean-nos singer of multiple songs and was well-prepared for secondary education. Having qualified as an national teacher he taught in Hospital, Limerick and then in a new school in Beneavin, FInglas, Dublin where actor/author/comedian, Brendan O'Carroll, came under his notice and influence. Following, the examples of his patron, St Brendan, he set off for the missions in South Africa and Mauritius where he dedicated himself to Christian education and in preparing students for matriculation exams. He cajoled and pushed the brighter ones to achieve the higher grades and built up self-esteem and confidence in those less gifted. From the 1960's to the 1990's crowds of young people went to London looking for work. Many of them were desperate, ill-prepared with no accommodation. De La Salle Brothers opened a hostel in Benburn Base, Camden town for immigrants and Br Brendan was the director of the centre for many years. He was patient, understanding and welcoming. Many who had the great fortune to come there, found work and accommodation and they had wonderful words of praise for Br Brendan. Br Brendan's life was one of self-giving, being available, listening and being a loyal servant of the lord. He passed away on August 14, 2006 and was buried in the monastery cemetery, Castletown. He is survived by Sr Maura Cornwall, Br Donal Da La Salle, Ballyfermot, ex school inspector, Frank and Sean in Tralee. BMB Courtesy of The Kerryman 06/09/2006 Tweet

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