The Late Brendan Barnwell The tragic passing of a young father has been met with immense shock and sadness throughout south Wexford. Brendan Barnwell (44) a popular and well-known man, died in tragic circumstances. Following a search operation, involving the Fethard RNLI, Fethard Coastguard, Cullenstown Coastguard, a rescue helicopter and local Gardai, his remains were recovered at Ballylannon around 8pm on Friday night. Originally from Coolcliffe, Foulksmills but living at 31 St. Aidan's Green Clongeen, Brendan was the youngest of seven children to Nancy and the late William Barnwell, with four sisters and two brothers. He received his primary education in Ballymitty National School and later attended Bridgetown Vocational College. Upon leaving school he worked with FAS for many years and was employed as a postman in Foulksmills. In 1992 he married Ann (nee Castle) and together they had one son Jason (16) and he was a step-father to Denise Castle. Apart from his family, his greatest love is life was music. When he was aged just 12 years he played with his brother-in-law Jim Barnwell in the band 'Country Sound'. He then went onto play with well known band 'Southern Comfort' and subsequently played the drums also doubled up as a singer with the band 'Freeway'. Through his involvement and passion for music, he was well-known in every pub, hotel and venue throughout Wexford and even further afield as he played for many occasions, including weddings, birthday parties and many celebrations. Another great interest of Brendan's was his love of darts. He was a talented darts player, who played with McDonagh's in Goff's Bridge, Doyle's of Carrig and Stafford's of Tullycanna. "He was a talented handball player with the Ballymitty Handball Club, who won many medals, trophies and accolades at local, Leinster and All-Ireland level" Fishing was also a great love of Brendan's and he loved to take time out an spend time fishing in the local Corach River, Slade and Fethard and he loved to head out on a boat from Kilmore Quay and from Fethard. Brendan was the life and soul of every party and he had a lovely outgoing nature. He loved family occasions and was known to always get up and sing a song and bring a party to life. The popularity in which he was held by many was reflected in the huge numbers of mourners who gathered in St Peter's Church in Ballymitty for his Funeral Mass, which was celebrated by Fr.Cahill, Fr Curtis, Fr. Murphy and Fr. O'Leary. During he ceremony, gifts offered up included his handball jersey, his handball gloves, drumsticks, a tin of sardines and darts- all symbolising his fully lived life. He was laid to rest after the funeral Mass in Kilcavan Cemetery. Brendan is survived by and deeply missed by his loving mother Nancy, his wife Ann, son Jason, stepdaughter Denise, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunt Eileen Bishop, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Wexford People 13th May 2009 Tweet

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