Friends of Sligo Football
We extend our sincere sympathy to the late Martin Brennan’s wife and family, his many friends and to Tourlestrane club on the tragic death of a true gael and gentleman. I vividly recall many battles with Martin at under age level as his speed left me for dead as he took off with his long black hair blowing down his back like George Best. He was an accomplished footballer but during his time in Tubbercury Vocational school he appeared to gain more interest in hurling where he excelled under the tutelage of Michael Seevers and Jarlath McDonagh and with Mick Burke in Tubbercurry. He was
a fine sportsman as a player c oach and later as Administrator and he never was afraid to put his shoulder to the wheel when there was hard work to be done. The fine football pitch Tourlestrane now possess was in no small way thanks to his and many fellow clubmen’s efforts and he was a constant presence on the gate at matches there where he still had time to engage in conversation. He will be a huge loss to his family , club and community.
Next month John Murphy steps down as Sligo’s County Chairman having completed his five year term. He can look back on his time in office with pride and satisfaction from a very successful stint. We in FOSF were involved with John and the County Board from an early stage in his term working on a Development plan for the county, which targeted, among other things, a Provincial Title and a centre of excellence. While the later is not yet there the site is and great progress is being made on this due in no small way to John’s hard work, which sometimes may go unnoticed.
We all recall the Connaught senior title in 2007 , league titles in 2009 and 2010 and Junior All Ireland title in 2010, Colleges success and hurling title in 2008 and some incredible hard luck and near miss stories. Add in National recognition of players like Charlie Harrison and David Kelly and his tenure can be regarded as a great success because while John would not claim credit for all these things his leadership helped in no small way and we thank him for all his efforts. No doubt Eilish and the girls will be glad to have him back again!!