Spillane, Brendan
November 22, 2003
The Late Brendan Spillane
On Monday October 6, 2003, Brendan Spillane passed away. When the news broke, it caused shock and disbelief in the entire community.
Brendan was born in Lixnam, Kerry, in 1943. One of a family of seven, Brendan was educated in his native town.
In a tradition of that part of north Kerry, Brendan played hurling and was quite an accomplished player. Following his older brothers, he went to work in London at a relatively young age. There he worked in the building industry and, as his brothers had done, he sent home generous support for the family at home.
In 1964 whilst in London, Brendan met Eileen.They were married in Kilburn in 1966 and two years later they came to live in Mullagharush.
They built their house there and lived there ever since. Brendan worked in house building throughout the midlands and in Dublin. He took up employment with Dublin Corporation in 1982.
Brendan always had a keen interest in his work and anything to do with buildings. He had a great knowledge of the business.
He never stinted in sharing this knowledge and experience with others. Indeed the amount of work and time and energy he gave to helping others was quite amazing.
Whether it was advice, organising projects or, as often as not, rolling up his sleeves and doing the work himself, he went about the business with great energy. In his work with Dublin Corporation, later Dublin City Council, Brendan was involved in many housing projects.
Many who worked with Brendan attested to his professionalism, his enthusiasm for the particular project on hand, his quite unique ability to solve problems and his unfailing good humour, which helped to work through difficult problems.
He enjoyed his work and whenever he was asked about retirement, it was just not in his plans.
It was not just the buildings that concerned Brendan. He looked after the interests of the people who eventually made their homes there, and he made it his business to get to know them personally.
As a tribute, many of these people came down to the funeral ceremonies.
In keeping with his interest and reinforced with his deep and private faith, Brendan loved churches. He never passed by a church if and when he had time for a brief visit.
In his very moving tribute, Father Coonan told to the invaluable help that Brendan had provided in the renovation of Daingean Church and in The Heath and Portlaoise churches.
As befitted a native of Kerry, Brendan loved sport and was always loyal to his native county.
He celebrated its victories and was philosophical in its defeats.
No less did he enjoy the great days of his adopted county, Offaly, especially their hurling achievements. He played some hurling with An Ríocht Club at New Eltham, London and with Durrow in 1968.
He loved company and a good social life. Indeed, he had a great capacity to make and keep friends. No matter where one went in his company, there was sure to be someone he knew, and a few moments would be spent sharing the banter.
Brendan's outlook was always so positive and he had a unique ability to lift the spirits in any company.
In recent years, Brendan and Eileen had enjoyed holidays in Spain, Portugal, Sicily and Lanzarote in the company of family and friends.
As a family man, he spared nothing in providing for Eileen, Ben, Lorraine, Karen, Noelene, Jacinta and Sarah.
It was always a good house to visit, one simply found there a good family that stayed loyal to each other in times of adversity, and who enjoyed the good times together.
There was always a Céad Míle Fáilte in their house, and particularly at Christmas. We know how Brendan and Eileen rejoiced in their extended family with Martina, Noel and Frank and their beloved grandchildren.
To Eileen and her family, we try to comprehend the extent of your loss and wish you every blessing in your life that is now very different. However, we know that you can keep the same spirit alive for the future and this is the best tribute you can pay to Brendan.
(Specially Contributed)
Courtesy of the Offaly Express
22nd November 2003
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