Brian Nerney; family man, businessman and community stalwart

OBITUARY

It is with deep regret we record the death of Brian Nerney of Correally, Lismacaffrey. Brian was one of the longest serving and most respected contributors to the Westmeath Examiner and the man behind many initiatives in Streete and district for decades. His passing has left a huge void in the community he served so loyally for so long and to which he left several legacies of community initiatives.

Brian contributed to the Examiner both as local correspondent in Streete, and through his involvement for the past 20 years with Streete Vintage Club and their annual show, and during his many years as chairman and committee PRO of Streete Parish Park.

Brian retired, after 27 years, in October 2019 and handed over responsibility to Kevin Brady.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Kevin Brady said: “Brian was a great friend to all and a true community leader. He kept our community together. He was a doer, always coming up with different plans and schemes; if they worked, they worked, and if they didn’t, we’d move on. We are very grateful for all the commitment he put into the community over the years. He is a legend who will never be forgotten.”

Kevin pointed out that Brian was the founder of Boherquill Ramblers, “one of the first walking clubs in the country and now one of the most successful, with over 80 members in Westmeath and Longford alone, and members taking part in walks all over the midlands every Sunday, all year round”.

“He did great things as chairman of the Streete Parish Park, particularly the creation of a walking track around our park which attracts locals and those from a wider area,” Kevin said. Around 2010, Brian attracted the world-famous Jam Pot Rally of vintage Matchless and AJS motorbike owners and enthusiasts to Streete. The rally consisted of more than 200 bikes and attracted 5,000 people to the area. The rally is held throughout Europe but had never been in the south of Ireland before. During their stay, the Jam Pot motorcycle club members set out each morning after breakfast, with packed lunches, to visit the local tourist spots and returned for dinner and entertainment in the evenings, Kevin recalled.

Brian was also the man who obtained permission to do up the old Rath school in Streete, which was used as a community centre, before the new centre was built, Kevin pointed out.

Brian and John Parker travelled together to vintage shows all over the country, promoting Streete Vintage Show, which has become one of the best in Ireland. Brian was also involved in the Pride of Place initiative. In 2009 he received a Cathaoirleach Award from Westmeath County Council in recognition of his involvement in the community.

Brian Nerney was formerly from Churchlands, Longford, and Culleen House, Roscommon. In 1974 he founded Longford Brass, which provided valued employment for many years. The magnificent processional cross that was carried by Pope John Paul 11 during his visit to Galway in 1979 was Brian’s work. His firm was commissioned to do further brass work for the late pontiff’s visits to both Clonmacnois and Knock. The distinctive bespoke work of Longford Brass was also displayed in the National Gallery and at Dublin Airport Terminal 2.

Brian was educated by the Christian brothers, first in his hometown of Roscommon, where his father was the county surveyor for 36 years, and then in the Cistercian College, Roscrea.

He was a member of the Pastoral Council, Streete Parish Park Vintage Club, Boherquill Ramblers, Westmeath Rural Arts, and the local community development body, among others, for many years.

Brian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 25. He was predeceased by his wife Angela, brothers Michael, John and his twin brother Patrick, and by his sister Mary.

He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his beloved wife Alice (née Dawson), sons Tony and Niall, daughter-in-law Carmel, Tony’s partner Brenda, Martina, sisters-in-law, grandchildren Ruairí, Niall, Daragh, Eve, Laoise, Tadhg, Saidbh and Diarmuid, nieces, nephews, relatives, good neighbours, and friends.

Brian reposed at Our Lady’s Manor Nursing Home Chapel, Edgeworthstown. Mass of the Resurrection was in St Mary’s Church, Boherquill, and interment afterwards in St Fintan’s cemetery, Boherquill.