The Late John Brett The death occurred in tragic circumstances of John Brett of Ballydonnell. Jack had just turned 60 at the time of his passing. From Kyle, Drangan people will remember Jack as a fine footballer with Poulacapple NS. Jack had lived in Ballydonnell for more than 30 years. Over those years Jack had built up his own transport business and was extremely well known and popular. His removal to St Michael's Church, funeral Mass and burial in Drangan were attended by huge congregations. Jack's remains reposed in Brett's Funeral Home before being brought to St Michael's Church. Two guards of honour flanked the altar, one representing the local golf society of which Jack was a keen member and the other representing the local girls Gaelic football side, attired in their club jerseys which had been sponsored by Jack and bore the name of his company, Anner Transport. At the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr McGrath, assisted by Fr Lambe, Drangan, the story of Jack's life was portrayed in the presentation before Mass. A black army beret showed how Jack had been one of the first Irish soldiers to see peace-keeping duties with the United Nations in the Congo (now Zaire), in the early 1960's. It was some years before the now famous UN blue beret became standard issue of peace-keeping troops. A golf club showed his interest in that game. Two Anner Transport jerseys showed his interest in Gaelic games and his generosity towards the local girl's team. The Brett family crest was also displayed by Anna from Chernobyl. The crest is the same one on the Anner Transport lorries which have made several mercy missions to Chernobyl, bringing help from the local area. Anna had been a regular visitor to Mullinahone in recent years, enjoying regular visits to the home of Jack's son, Sean, and his daughter-in-law, Sally. The story of his life was presented by Anna and Jack's grandchildren, Paul Hearne, Shane Brett, Niamh Brett and Ciara Brett. Readings were by John Heenan (brother-in-law) and Liam Brett (nephew). The responsorial psalm was sung by members of the local choir. The prayers of the faithful were by his nephew and nieces Noel Mahon, Geraldine Brett, Bernadette Heenan, Marie Galvin and Ann-Marie Crannick. The Offertory Gifts were presented by Richie Hearne, John Morrissey, Sally Brett, Jenny Fell and Francie Brett. Jack's untimely death is deeply felt in the area. He was very sociable and unbelievably popular in the area, as well as being absolutely dependable in business. His generosity and helpfulness have been well documented and he will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife Margaret; sons Sean, Noel and Conor, daughters Mary, Majella and Mairead; brothers Paddy and Billy; his sisters Susan, Mary and Joan and his grandchildren. His extended family and friends include sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews and nieces, aunt and good friend Francie. Courtesy of The Kilkenny People July 2003 Tweet

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