Galwegians mourned the loss of another rugby great with the recent passing of Brendan Guerin.
A former Galwegian RFC, Connacht and Irish player, Brendan was one of life's real gentlemen, modest about his accomplishments, and a man of great kindness.
A native of County Waterford, Brendan's love of rugby was formed in Castleknock where he won a Leinster Schools Senior Cup medal. He joined Galwegians on his move to Galway in 1955, and became an integral player for the club and province.
Tall and athletic, Brendan played in the second row, helping Galwegians to five successive League and Cup titles in the late fifties, and was capped for Ireland against Scotland in 1956.
He enjoyed a long career with Connacht before becoming a selector, and always maintained his love and interest in the game throughout his life, many on the sidelines supporting his sons, Enda and Shane, with Phil - his beloved wife of 55 years by his side.
Brendan was the ultimate clubman, serving for many years on the Galwegians committee and was president in 1973-74. For his unwavering support and service, Brendan was a hugely popular recipient of the Connacht Hall of Fame Award in 2009.
A banker by profession, Brendan enjoyed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Never without a smile, he would stop for a chat, and was always interested in listening to the stories and the opinions of others.
Many Galwegians will know Brendan as the man of great kindness, a founder member and past president of the Galway Lions Club, a keen supporter of the Galway Hospice, and the Retired Bank Officials and Widows' Association. Generous in spirit, he was well known in Galway, a walker and swimmer in Salthill, who enjoyed a game of golf.
Everyone who knew Brendan will be blessed with their special memories of a true gent, a kind spirited man with a keen sense of humour, sincere, warm and kind-hearted.
Brendan, who was predeceased by his wife Phil, enjoyed good life. He was 91 when he passed peacefully.
Brendan leaves a rich legacy, and is survived by his children Fionnuala, Deirdre, Enda and Shane, and extended family, including nine grandchilden.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam
