Mr Brian McEnroe, Benbawn, Kill.
MR Brian McEnroe, Benbawn, Kill, Cootehill, who died at Cavan General Hospital on Thursday of last week after a bravely fought battle against illness, was well-known throughout the county.
Brian was a photographer, farmer, an erstwhile quarry owner, a radio station manager and an athlete during his six decades in this life. However not all of these titles really capture the essence of that which made him a popular member of the community not only in his own parish but throughout the county and even further afield.
Brian was keenly involved in athletics both as a competitor and coach and competed in Cavan and Ulster events. He inspired others to get involved in the sport and it didn't really matter in which capacity they became involved, whether it was as a coach, training or as an administrator. He was active as an athlete in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and was an unlikely athlete in some respects as he was seldom seen without a cigarette before and after an event. But what he had in plentiful supply was heart and great courage. He competed over track and road but it was always in cross-country that he felt most at home as an athlete.
He competed in Cavan and Ulster cross-country events at novice, junior and senior, securing individual and team medals across most grades during the '70s and '80s. In 1987 he secured a long-time personal ambition in winning an Ulster senior individual title in the 3,000m walk.
While still competing on track and field, Brian was heavily involved in the administration of athletics in Cavan. He was secretary of Cavan Athletics Board during the BLE era, and later a senior officer with the Ulster Sports Council. Brian was perhaps never more animated than when he was involved with his local club. A long time supporter of Matt Rudden and Matt's late brother Vincent (Vinnie) as well as Jim Cochrane at Laragh AC, Brian pushed the boundaries further in the early 1980s when he established his own club, Kill Athletic Club, and making a clean sweep of Cavan athletic titles with his new club over track, road league, road championship and cross-country, all within four years of its establishment. This was a testimony to his ability to recruit and motivate people.
It was only fitting that Brian's last public appearance was within the last month on Rathluden Community Park in Kill, where he oversaw the latest edition of one of Cavan's longest established, continuously running sports day, at Kill Sports. To the end, he was the official starter, event referee, master of ceremonies, official results recorder, event photographer and continuity announcer.
He supplied sporting and social photographs to The Anglo-Celt for a number of years. He ran his race valiantly and bravely and always with a smile on his face and words of encouragement. He will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, sister, Mary and brothers, Fr Pat McEnroe and Joe.
There was a large and representative attendance at the funeral on Saturday, following Requiem Mass in St Bridget's Church, Kill, to the adjoining cemetery. Representatives from various athletic clubs in Cavan were among the attendance.
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