Bad news travels fast, and when the sad news came last Monday that another ‘Butt’s’ gentleman had passed on, my thoughts immediately flashed back to the Water Barracks, Larry Dowling's (now the Black Cat ), Rings – Cards – Darts – and mighty craic – Yes the late great Dixie (Seamus ) Brennan was a major part of that era and how we all enjoyed those wonderful times.
Larry's was the gathering point for all the above mentioned – Those were innocent and brilliant times when you say and do as you please and nobody, absolutely nobody took offence. Dixie worked in the old Kilkenny Products for many years and it was there that he struck up a life long friendship with another great character Seamus Hayes. Their card games, sing song, darts and craic in Larry Dowling's were legendary (isn't it a pity that those times are long gone and unfortunately will never return ).
Dixie was a member of St Canice's Boys Club and was on the club winning snooker team of 1962 with another very close friend and McDonagh Street man Mick Fitzpatrick. All of us tend to praise people when they pass on but Dixie was a very modest and obliging man, who if he could do you a turn, it was always a good one. He used to say “No thanks or cash required”.
He was also a man of great wit and humour – Irish Style. He was indeed a very practical man and what most people liked about him was that he called a spade a spade. He’d never have made a politician!! 24 years ago in 1986, he felt he wasn’t controlling his drinking habit, that it in fact was controlling him. He made a conscious decision to do something about it so he joined the AA. After that he never looked back and became one of its most active and inspirational members and in the process, didn’t just help himself but helped many others – an achievement that his family can be immensely proud of.
His great love in recent times were his grandchildren – Kate, James and Daniel. Being a granddad, he would say that it was one of the most wonderful things ever. Dixie, myself, and Michael Hennessy would meet each day at ten past two at the John of God Convent and wait for our prides and joys to come out of class.
He was born a ‘Butt’s’ man and was very proud of that. It was really nice then that the funeral Mass last Thursday was held in St Canice's church. The vast crowds at both the Mass and the interment was a true reflection if Dixie's popularity. We will miss you at the school Dixie, one wit gone but not forgotten and still two half wits left!!
To your wife Ann, son Richard, daughter Caroline, grandchildren, and extended family – Our deepest condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you always. Another true ’Butt’s’ man passes on. Your memory will always remain with us.
Noel Scanlon – Friend (granddad ).
