Passing of Phil Brady leaves 'huge void' in GAA and business circles

Paul Fitzpatrick

The chairman of Cavan county board, Gerry Brady, has led the tributes to the late Phil Brady of Arva, who passed away last Saturday after a long illness.

Phil Brady, who was a former GAA board chairman and Central Council delegate and was synonymous with the association in the county, was laid to rest on Monday last and his passing, said Gerry Brady, leaves “a huge void” in GAA and business circles in the county.

“Phil was steeped in the GAA. He was an outstanding chairman who helped streamline underage football and made great strides in developing infrastructure and he was a most generous and genuine man who will be sadly missed,” said the chairman, who is not related.

Among the highlights of his tenure were the GAA’s centenary celebrations in 1984, which were among the best in the country, stated Mr Brady, who praised the “incredible service and positivity” of the man who first served as a county board delegate for the Cormore club aged just 16.

“Phil was also a very loyal sponsor of the county board and the Brady family still are to this day,” he added.

Phil Brady was born in Gurteen, Arva in 1934. He won a Junior Championship medal as a player in 1957 and developed a very successful motor dealership. He was widely respected as a leading businessman and employer in the region.

One of his proudest moments was presenting the Intermediate Championship cup to Arva while he was county chairman in 1983.

The late Mr Brady’s funeral was one of the largest witnessed in the region in living memory.

He was pre-deceased by his late wife Marie and is survived by sons Cathal, Gerard, Philip, Niall, Finbar, Padraig and Michael and daughter Joanne.

See coming issues for a full tribute to the late Phil Brady.