Tributes paid following sudden passing of beloved Carlow woman
The late Sharon Brennan
Communities in Laois and Carlow were “numb with shock” over the death of Sharon Brennan, née Cosgrove, who died suddenly on Saturday after an illness.
Sharon (47) was the adored mother of Jack (19) and Evan (13), and the wife of Paul Brennan, chairman of Killeshin GAA. She lived and breathed her family, football and her community so her unexpected death in St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny has been devastating to her family and close friends. Members of the Killeshin GAA and the close-knit parish as well those in her home town of Tullow are “numb with shock”.
“She was the heartbeat of our house and now she’s gone,” her husband, Paul, told . “Sharon was the best wife, the best mother, she really was. Our loss is unimaginable.”
Killeshin GAA paid tribute to Sharon on their Facebook page: ‘Sharon and her family are at the heart of this club. Alongside her husband and family, she gave generously of her time, spirit, and support over many years. Her sons, Jack and Evan, represent the next generation of dedication and talent within our club — something she was immensely proud of. We extend our deepest condolences to Paul, Jack and Evan, and all the Brennan and Cosgrove families, keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.’ Another member of the Killeshin community said on RIP.ie: ‘Although she was taken too soon, Sharon's legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.’ Several of her colleagues from Teagasc also paid their respects to her on RIP.ie, recalling her helpful and kind nature.
One said: ‘So sad to hear this morning of the sad passing of our lovely Sharon, so kind and caring, always there for the chats and helpful hand. I will miss them.’
Sharon was originally from Liscolman, Tullow and was the daughter of John and Mary Cosgrove, and cherished sister of Jonathan, Keith, Caroline and Fiona.
Married to Paul for 20 years, Sharon was not only adored in her family but a treasured member of the Killeshin community.
“Sharon was a very quiet, private person. She didn’t like to be front and centre of anything. She had so many friends who could confide in her. She was such a kind person and was very proud of her community and Killeshin GAA. I’m bowled over by the things people are saying and doing for us. That’s our community, that’s what we live for,” said Paul.
Breda McDonald, a neighbour and friend of the family, said that the entire community of Killeshin will support Sharon’s family.
“We’re all numb with shock, we’re devastated. We’re a tight community here and we’ll be there to support Paul, the boys, and the Brennan and Cosgrove families. Sharon always gave so willingly of her time and her spirit to her community and to the club. There’ll be overwhelming support for Paul and her family from us,” said Breda.
Funeral details are expected to be announced later today, Tuesday, and members of Killeshin GAA will form a guard of honour for her as a mark of respect.
Sharon will be sadly missed by her loving husband, sons, parents, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, work colleagues, good neighbours, relatives and friends.
