The death occurred on August 11 last of Mattie Brennan, late of Rocklands, Tubbercurry, and formerly New York. Aged 76 years, Mattie was born and reared on Teeling St. Tubbercurry, the third of six children of the late Tom and Evelyn Brennan. Reared in the family owned bar and grocery shop, Mattie quickly learned to mix and interact with people of all ages, a trait which was to stand to him all his life. After getting his primary school education in Tubbercurry, Mattie spent five years in Garbally College, Co. Galway where he became an accomplished rugby player. He was also a fine gaelic footballer and played on the Co. Sligo minor team in 1954. On leaving school Mattie spent a short time working in England before deciding in 1957 to head for New York, There he started work for the Edison Electric Company and joined the Us Army, spending most of his time 1960-1962 based in Germany.

The cold war and Cuban missile crisis was ongoing at that time and army personnel were always on the ready in those years. On leaving the army he spent a number of years working with the Blarney Stone pub chain of New York. In those years he met Mary, the love of his life and they married in 1964, setting up home initially in the Bronx and later in Yonkers. In 1968 he made the last career move of his life when he started to work with fellow Tubbercurry man Seamus Neary, in Nearys Bar, Manhattan. There he spent the next 32 years before retiring in 2000. Mattie became a vital cog in the wheel of Nearys Bar where some of America's most influential and noted celebrities wined and dined. The friendly, smiling and humorous traits Mattie developed in the pub on Teeling Street, Tubbercurry, were put to good effect in Manhattan and he was a favourite with all the Neary Bar patrons. On retiring ion 2000 he retired to Tubbercurry with Mary and thoroughly enjoyed playing golf and cards and soaking up the slower pace of life in his home town. Since he left Tubbercurry first in 1955 he had managed to return home every year on a visit. Despite being ill over the last 2 years he made little of his discomfort. His remains reposed at the funeral home prior to removal to Church of John the Evanglist. Burial took place in Rhue cinerary. Mattie is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Eileen, son Tom, grandchildren Deirdre, Liam and Claire, son-in-law Tim, daughter-in-law Debbie, brothers Bernie, Nathy and Mickey, sisters Mary Enda and Nora, brother and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and many cousins and good friends, all to whom sympathy is extended. May he rest in peace.

(Text courtesy of Western People 21/08/12) Tweet

Most Read Stories