Sporting leaders praise late Minister Brennan

THE COUNTRY’s sporting leaders joined last night to express their sadness that Seamus Brennan’s time as Sports Minister was all too short.

Irish Sports Council chief executive John Treacy said Mr Brennan, who passed away yesterday, covered a lot of important sporting issues and met with a number of figures at the coalface of Irish sport during his short time in office.

“His dedication to his Ministry, and his innate determination was obvious to all of us who met him, and we are all the richer for his contribution,” said Treacy

Irish Greyhound Board chairman Dick O’Sullivan said he found Mr Brennan “a true gentleman” and conveyed the views of many that it was a tragedy to see him taken at such a young age.

“He gave his country outstanding service in the 27 years he served in Dáil Eireann. Unfortunately, ill health forced him to step down before he could make his hoped-for impact in his role as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism but we found him helpful and responsive in the short term he was in office.”

Mr Brennan passed away at his Churchtown home in Dublin early yesterday. He was 60 and had been an ever-present on the Fianna Fáil front bench, whether in Government or Opposition, since 1987.

FAI chief executive John Delaney believed Mr Brennan made a positive impact during his short time as Sports Minister.

“He showed a tremendous interest in the work of the FAI at all levels but particularly the work being done to develop the grassroots. He was very supportive of our plans to develop the New Stadium, as well as our bid to host the 2011 UEFA Cup Final,” said Mr Delaney.

GAA president Nickey Brennan also expressed his shock and sadness at the news. He added that in Mr Brennan’s brief tenure as Minister for Sport, he was always courteous, understanding and helpful.

Mr Brennan was appointed Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism on June 14 last year but after the resignation of Bertie Ahern he resigned from the Cabinet.