Legendary hurler Tony Brennan honoured

Tony Brennan is one of the parish’s most famous names and his mural now adorns the wall of the GAA clubhouse. Clonoulty Rossmore GAA was proud to honour the life of the four-time All Ireland Senior hurling championship winner last night (July 17th) with three of Tony’s four children in attendance, along with a huge local crowd for what was an historic night for the club.

Chairperson Andrew Fryday opened proceedings and he introduced club secretary Caitriona O’Gorman who read a fantastic ten minute oration about the life and career of Clonoulty village’s most famous son. Caitriona described how Tony had a long and distinguished career in green and gold, in what were most certainly leaner times for the club, the highlight however being the 1951 West Senior hurling championship win which he captained. Tony Brennan got the medals his career deserved when he won Senior All Ireland honours with his beloved Tipperary in 1945, 1949, 1950 and 1951.

Tony’s son James then addressed the crowd and acknowledged how much this meant to the Brennan family, almost 60 years since since his father’s tragic passing. Tony’s son Anthony resides in Boston and was not in attendance. James and the rest of the Brennan family received a warm reception from the huge crowd in attendance.

The official unveiling of the new mural was left to Declan Ryan and Joe Hayes, themselves multiple All Ireland winners of the past. Joe then addressed the crowd and spoke of the awe of Tony Brennan his own generation grew up with, based on tales and accounts of Tony Brennan’s reputation both on and off the hurling field. This sentiment continues to pass down through the generations, demonstrated BY the huge number of young people in attendance on the night. Huge credit must also go to local man Neil O’Dwyer of www.murals.ie for his incredible artwork.

Further photos and videos are available on the club’s official X account. Thank you to everyone who contributed in organising this event.

The Brennan name is synonymous with Clonoulty village and the name Tony Brennan will live on, and he will go down as one of the club’s all time greats.