Passing of major midlands GAA figure

The death has occurred of the Life President of Offaly GAA Brendan Ward.

The late Mr Ward, from Durrow, passed away on Saturday, and as a mark of respect all Offaly GAA games have been cancelled today, Sunday.

In a statement, Offaly GAA said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing.

Mr Ward was a long-serving Chairperson of Offaly GAA between 1989 and 2002 and was a selector when Offaly won the All-Ireland U21 Football Championship in 1988.

Offaly GAA extended sincere sympathy to his family and his club, Durrow.

Brendan passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of the staff in Bethany House Nursing Home, Tyrrellspass. Pre deceased by his infant son Brendan, sister Kathleen (O'Brien) and brother Sean. Brendan will be sadly missed and always remembered by his loving wife Carmel and family Kevin, Declan, Angela and Sheila, daughters in law Patricia and Freda, sons in law John and Darren, his adored grandchildren John, David, Sandra, Alice, Grace, Emily and Oisín, sisters Marie, Carmel and Jerry, brother in law Joseph, sister in law Dolores, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

He will repose at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore, on Monday from 4pm until Rosary at 7pm. Removal from his home on Tuesday morning to St. Colmcille's Church, Durrow, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial after Mass in the adjoining cemetery.

The death notice states the house is private at all times, please.