Liam Brennan was a Killeshin man through-and-through
The late Liam Brennan
THE community of Killeshin was saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Brennan, Coolnariska on 10 May 2025, shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday.
Liam was born on 30 April 1935, the middle child in a family of five, to William and Annie Brennan. He was brother to Pat (Killeshin), Kathleen Farrell (Damarstown, Kilkenny), Maura Lawlor (Ballickmoyler) and Anna Lawless (Conaghy, Kilkenny).
Liam grew up in Coolnariska, Killeshin, where he attended the local school until he was 12 years’ old, leaving to work the farm alongside his father. In 1955, he started working in the Carlow sugar factory and after many years there he left to work in Dillon’s farm, Ballinakill, and he remained lifelong friends of the Dillions.
Later, he joined forces with his brother-in-law Bobby Healy working on buildings, where they undertook many projects in the Laois/Carlow/Kilkenny area. His craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident in every project he undertook, leaving a legacy in the homes he built, including those of his sons and daughters.
He met the love of his life Kitty Bambrick from the Ridge at the dancing boards in Rossmore, and they were married on 12 July 1965. Liam and Kitty went on to have eight children, five sons and three daughters ‒ Liam, Micheal, Annette (Monaghan), Anthony, Marie (Reade), Colette (English), Paschal and Cathal.
Liam and Kitty loved getting out and about and they were often spotted at Killeshin and Laois football matches, helping out at local field days, including May Sunday, travelling far and wide with Killeshin Pipe Band, including trips to Birmingham and New York. They also enjoyed many other day trips and holidays to places as far away as Florida, and Liam even made a trip to New Zealand, where he visited his great friend Paddy Brennan, also from Coolnariska, and went on a white water rafting excursion while there.
Liam was a great friend who regularly visited neighbours and relations in Coolnariska, Killeshin and further afield. Everyone looked forward to his visits or a rambling night in his home, where they would be entertained by his accordion playing and singing. He loved company and was famous for telling a funny story or joke, even if Kitty tried to censor some of them to no avail.
After Kitty’s passing in 2017, despite being heartbroken, Liam continued to stay involved in Active Retirement and other community groups in Killeshin. He also went on rambling nights and holidays around Ireland organised by Eddie Whelan, where he brought his accordion and provided entertainment for his travelling companions either by playing a tune, singing a song or, more famously, telling a yarn.
He also went on a trip to Lourdes with his good friend and personal chauffer John Brennan pushing him around the hills of Lourdes in a wheelchair. More recently, Liam started attending St Fiacc’s House, where he looked forward to sing-songs and playing the accordion in the day room. It was in St Fiacc’s House that he also took up bingo and even learned to bake a cake.
One of Liam’s proudest moments was when he was crowned lord mayor of Killeshin at a ceremony in Oisin House, Rossmore. This honour reflected not only his dedication to the community but also the respect and admiration he earned from those around him. He was a community man, deeply connected to the people he served, and he had a huge circle of friends. He was always happy to share his time with others, lending a helping hand or having a laugh.
Drama was another one of Liam’s pastimes and he took to the stage many times in local pantomimes and, more recently, with the Oisin Players, where his roles always left the audience in stitches. After retiring from his acting life, he still kept his love for drama and was a regular attendee at the Oisin Players, Coon and others.
Liam was a massive Killeshin GAA supporter and was seen at every match with Kitty, particularly proud when his children were playing and, more recently, his grandchildren.
During the , which Killeshin won in 2011, Liam took on a more spiritual role, blessing the team with holy water as they left the dressing room to go into battle on the playing field. Liam was certain that this gesture was what ensured their success in that historic final at Parnell Park ‒ one of Liam’s and Killeshin’ s proudest moments.
However, the luck ran out when he forgot to bring holy water to the first round of the Leinster championship. In a moment of desperation, he had to go into a church in Offaly to borrow some, only to see the team beaten by the Offaly champions.
Piper Ger Dunne led the funeral cortège as Liam made his final journey from his birthplace in Coolnariska, down the Cutts to Killeshin church, where he was met by six guards of honour ‒ Holy Cross Sodality, Killeshin Active Retirement, Killeshin GAA, Oisin Players, Killeshin LGFA and Killeshin Pipe Band.
Liam’s funeral Mass was curated by Fr John Dunphy, Fr O’Reilly, Fr Shelley and Fr Hennessy. Fr Dunphy spoke highly of Liam and commended him on his lifelong involvement in all aspects of parish and community life and said that he was a great role model for his family and friends.
Symbols of Liam’s life were brought to the altar by his grandchildren, including family photos representing Liam’s love for his family, including his 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A red Massey Ferguson, a basket of vegetables and a trowel were carried up as a reminder of Liam’s working life, both on the farm and on the buildings.
Liam’s accordion and a notebook containing his jokes represented his love of music and storytelling. Liam’s love for Killeshin and his lifelong involvement in many organisations in the parish were represented by the Killeshin flag and a photo of the Romanesque doorway, while his Rosary beads and holy water were carried to the altar to reflect Liam’s lifelong faith.
Liam’s granddaughter Shauna wrote a lovely poem depicting her granddad’s life and personality, which was read after Communion. This was followed by his son Anthony giving the eulogy, where he shared with the congregation many stories and memories of Liam as both a husband, father, friend and community man.
Liam was well-known for his distinctive singing voice and was a lifelong member of Killeshin choir, singing every week at Sunday Mass until just before his recent illness. The family were privileged to have the choir sing at Liam’s funeral Mass and gave an outstanding performance, including solos by Caitriona Kelly and Michael Ryan.
The family thanked all the staff at St Luke’s and Castlecomer district hospital, the public health nurses, his OT Mary Dunphy and palliative care team who cared for Liam during his illness. They also would like to thank the Comfort Home Care team and Dr Helen Delaney, who helped care for Liam at home.
The family also acknowledge the incredible support and kind gestures of friends, neighbours and the community, who helped so much during a difficult time.
The church and graveyard looked immaculate in the May sunshine as one of Liam’s favourite songs, , was sung by the crowd as he was finally laid to rest beside his parents and his beloved Kitty. .
