Sean Brennan The clash of Laois and Dublin in the All-Ireland Minor final brought back memories of a famous senior championship meeting between the same counties- all of forty one years ago. Laois and Dublin were then fierce rivals, Dublin having beaten Laois in the Leinster final four years earlier. Laois almost caused a major upset when they eventually lost by two points to the city men but the turning point of the game was the sending off the very influential Sean Brennan of the Heath after an altercation with a Dublin forward. On Friday last Sean passed away. That game in '62 was to mark the end of the Inter County career of one of the finest and dedicated players ever to don the Blue and White. In the Leinster final of '59, Laois had one hand on the Provincial Trophy. At half time two goals from Mick Phelan put Laois five points clear at the interval, but in the second half, Dublin pulled away to claim another title. That final was to prove the highlight of Sean Brennan's Inter County career but it was at Club level that Sean's inspirational qualities bore rich pickings. He led his beloved Heath to County Senior Football titles in 1957, '58 and then a three in a row from 1960 to 1962. This was a unique achievement but he became the second man from the Black and Amber to captain three successive teams. A feat also achieved by Jim Gray. He played alongside such household name as Dinny Bowe, Tom McVeigh, Tom Looby, Peter Keenan, Paddy Keyes and the famous Conroy brothers. 1962 too may have brought disappointment in Inter County level and an end to his County career but that year, achieved a unique distinction when after winning a hurling championship medal with Clonad, defeating Borris-in-Ossory, he later went on to captain the Heath to three in a row football titles. He helped bring the Heath back to senior football helping them to intermediate glory in 1953. Sean's sudden death cast a shadow over the Heath and Portlaoise where he spent most of his adult life for many years. Sean was an employee of Roadstone and later a milk round in Portlaoise, but it was as a Thatcher that he derived most satisfaction. Several thatched houses in the area are a mark of his wonderful craft, none more than "Treacy's' pub in the Heath. Sean Brennan's remains were removed to St. Peter and Paul's Church on Sunday evening, a couple of hours after a young Heath man, Chris Bergin, had played a major role in helping Laois win their third All-Ireland Minor title. He was buried after 12 noon mass on Monday morning. A large and distinguished gathering attended on both days. The Heath and Clonad GAA Clubs provided guards of honour on both occasions, burial took place in Portlaoise. Paying tribute to Sean Liam Doran, who lined out at centreback in '59 said Sean was a wonderful character and a loyal club and county player and sadly he had become the third member of the team to pass away, the others being Mick Phelan and another Heath man Ollie Fennell. Those who played alongside Sean at club and county level held him in high esteem, opponents admired his fierce level of commitment and will to win. He death is deeply regretted by his wife Eileen (Dunne), sons and daughters. May he rest in peace. Prior to Sunday's All-Ireland, a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect and ironically, the same day in a Dublin hospital of Paruic Haughey of Dublin, who wore the no. 10 jersey in that '59 title final and was also buried on Monday. Courtesy of the Leinster Express 18th October 2003 Tweet

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