Former Laois County GAA Secretary Billy Brennan (85) was recently laid to rest in Arles after a lifetime of dedicated service to the organisation. Thousands of Gaels gathered at his home, chapel, cemetery and the village over the days following his death on New Years Day. The 'Boxer's' devotion to the Association was only surpassed by that to his family of 10 surviving children Billy was county secretary and treasurer for over 22 years until 1979, when he replaced Ballyfin schoolteacher Matt Ryan and served under four chairmen, Lar Brady, Jack Conroy, Tom Cushen and the only surviving occupant of the post Sean Ramsbottom. Billy was one of the outstanding administrators of his era and through difficult times steered the county through. In '79 he was challenged for the post by the then secretary of the hurling board Michael Carroll and lost the position by just two votes. While Laois failed as before and since to win any senior honours they won numerous provincial minor football and hurling titles and contested the first ever All Ireland under 21 football final as well as winning the All Ireland junior football title in '73. Billy was an accomplished player and began his football career with the then Flemings Fireclays senior football team The Swan. He lined out for a brief period with Stradbally before going back to play with Wolf hill, with whom he won an intermediate title in the early '50s. In between he caught the eye of the county senior selectors and played for many years in the blue and white. It was representing Wolf hill as a delegate to the county board that he successfully contested the position of secretary. As well as being a most competent county secretary he also represented the county with distinction on the Leinster Council. When the Arles club was founded Billy along with members of his family were to play significant roles in its successful development. He rejoiced in the recent minor success and was particularly proud when his grandson Billy was a member of those historic teams. His knowledge of rules was second to none and his retention, memory and knowledge were superb. Billy was a widower for 27 years being predeceased by his wife Margaret (51). Billy is survived by his sons, Danny (Arles), Bro. Damien (Seamus) in Callan, Joe (Athlone), Liam (England), Sean (Ballinabranna), and Vincent (Athy). (He was predeceased by his other son Pat) daughters Bridie Kennedy (Arles), Margaret Brennan, Catherine Murphy (Stradbally), Bernie Doyle (Athy) and was also predeceased by his daughter Mary Muldowney (Portlaoise). Brother Damien made his mark as a hurling coach with the Kilkenny county minor hurling team. Son Liam is also one of the leading lights in the St. Mary's club in London. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist Tweet

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