'A wave of shock spread across Waterford GAA': Tributes paid to Brendan Breen following his passing

A message shared by his family on RIP.ie said Brendan "was dedicated to his family and community, particularly in the area of sport and under-age coaching with Stradbally GAA and the Waterford minor football team, offering his time, support and encouragement whenever it was needed.

"Deeply missed by his heartbroken family, loving wife Cathy, children Aidan, Grace and Róisín, his mother Agnes, his brothers Declan and Gerald (Tralee Garda Station), sisters Elaine and Miriam, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, extended family, friends and neighbours, and his work colleagues in An Garda Síochána."

Bord na nÓg Port Lairge has shared an emotional tribute to the popular coach.

“A wave of shock spread across Waterford GAA on Friday, August 28th, as news spread of the sudden death of Brendan Breen.

“Brendan served as coach, manager, mentor and a valued member of Stradbally GAA & LGFA committees and was also involved in several community groups. In the past week he was in Fraher Field on Monday night to see Stradbally U16 hurlers win the Division 1A trophy and was extremely proud to present the trophy to the winning Stradbally captain Gearóid Power, while he managed the Stradbally minor hurling team in Fraher Field on Wednesday night last.

“Within Waterford GAA he refereed at both juvenile and underage for a number of years. Earlier this year he was a selector with Waterford Minor Footballers in what was the most successful campaign in a long number of years.

“Since joining the Bord na nÓg committee in 2022, he has been an active member - attending meetings, games, offering advice and spending many hours looking at how to improve underage structures within the county and raise the profile of our underage games.

“We will miss his presence at the meetings & games, his passion for protecting and improving our native games and of course the odd humorous Whatsapp message.

“On behalf of Bord na nÓg Port Lairge, we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Cathy, his beloved children Aidan, Grace & Roisin , extended family in Stradbally and Kerry, colleagues in An Garda Síochána, all in Stradbally GAA & LGFA and to all those who knew Brendan.

Brendan was heavily involved with his local club Stradbally GAA, who also paid their respects.

"Our community is heartbroken at the sudden passing of Brendan Breen.

"Brendan wasn't just a coach or committee member - he was a leader, a friend and a man who poured his heart into Stradbally GAA."

"His passion for underage GAA, his integrity, and his good humour will be greatly missed.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Cathy, son Aidan, daughters Grace and Róisín and to all who knew him.”