A community man through and true

Obituary Danny Brady

1949-2025

It is fair to say that when the sudden death of Danny Brady, Bruskey, Ballinagh on Thursday, November 12 last, became known it was as if the entire parish of Ballintemple (Lacken, Bruskey and Aughaloora) had been hit by a tornado.

As a community activist Danny had a hand in literally all parish organisations and wrote the weekly Ballintemple column in The Anglo-Celt, which was a mirror of the everyday life in the parish. When Danny took the pen in his hand, if it happened locally, it was put to paper - like it or not. This was compulsive reading as he brought the reader on a journey with all the latest events in his own chatty way.

His obituaries especially stood out as the details of the deceased’s life story were embellished with anecdotes and humour, evoking many happy memories for the bereaved in a time of sorrow.

Danny was born on December 17, 1949, in the townland of Drumard to parents Larry and Mollie Brady, and growing up he helped out on the family farm. After he finished school, he continued farming, later working in McCormack’s in Killeshandra, followed by years with Acorn Life Assurance. In his semi-retirement he worked with the local FÁS and Rural Social schemes, always giving 100% in all he took on. However his real love was the farm, getting up the lane every day to Drumard and being out in nature and keeping an eye on the weather signs.

In 1976, Danny met the lovely Mary Urbansky, whose father hailed from Poland and ran a garage in Ballinagh, and they were married in 1978 in a double wedding, which was unheard of at the time in the area. The other couple was Mary’s sister Kathleen who married Mike Gaffney.

In 1983, the first of eight children arrived, baby John was premature and sadly only lived for eight days, which was a bitter blow to them. As the family expanded, they moved to Bruskey and settled in what had been the local shop, beside the church and school and the old creamery store.

When it was decided to build a community centre in Bruskey, Danny was at the heart of the development and when it opened there was no man more proud than Danny as here was a focal point for the parish: bingo, concerts, tea-parties, meetings, and school plays. It was fitting that the centre was packed out following his funeral as family and friends congregated, and it was as if Danny himself should have been there to witness the scene or sing a song, which he would have done with little encouragement. Some of his favourites were The Bunch of Violets Blue, Spancil Hill and My Forever Friend.

The recent refurbishment of St Mary’s Church in Bruskey was another undertaking in which Danny took great pride, and in his weekly notes he kept up with its progress. When it opened it was indeed a beautiful occasion and he proudly sang along with the choir at the rededication Mass.

As Fr Gabriel said at Danny’s funeral, it was fitting that his was the first funeral in the newly renovated church.

Lacken Celtic football club and Crowe Park were dear to his heart too and he was so proud to captain the Junior B football winning team in ’75 wearing the No 5 jersey when they defeated neighbours Ballymachugh. Danny also served as secretary and PRO for decades and was a passionate supporter to the very end.

Danny held several positions in the local Fine Gael cumann, supporting County Councillor Winston Bennett when the need arose, canvassing and arranging transport at election time and serving as an agent in the polling station. During the recent presidential election, he volunteered to campaign for local candidate Heather Humphreys.

Danny was a great huntsman with the local club following in his father’s footsteps and was out with the boys only the Sunday before he died. He would have been touched by the bugle call as his coffin was brought from the church and again at the burial in nearby Mullaghaboy graveyard.

When Mary Keogh had the idea for a Drama Group, it took off like wildfire and there was great fun and camaraderie as the rehearsals got under way. Many will recall the mock weddings and Fr Ted comedy show with none other than the bold Danny who stood out as Fr Dan, true to form and looking the part.

Danny was a pleasant and unassuming man with an infectious smile, he loved a chat and never passed anyone with at least a few words. He loved calling into his good friend Tom Moore in the shop to talk football. Danny was a great neighbour and friend who had the ability to make everyone feel at ease in his unique relaxed manner.

He had a loving and caring nature, he was a devoted husband and father and was very proud of his children’s achievements and had a special grá for his 11 grandchildren.

We extend deepest sympathy to his wife Mary; sons Daniel (Kayla), Patrick, James (Stephanie), Stanley, Stephen (Amy), Joseph (Megan) and daughter Maria (Niall) in whose lives his passing has left a great void.

It was a touching sight on Monday morning as his remains were carried shoulder high by his six sons followed by wife Mary and daughter Maria from his home as the various guards of honour stood to attention along the way to St Mary’s for one last time. Following requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kelly assisted by Fr Sean McDermott, both good friends, burial took place to Mullaghaboy cemetery to the sound of the hunting horn and the words of The Old Man rang out – ‘Though he may be gone memories linger on, we will miss him the Old Man’!

Solas na bhFlaitheas dá anam uasal.