Gentlemansergeant wasafamilymanand proudofhisKerryroots
BRENDAN Houlihan was born on November 12, 1937, the second youngest of seven children to James (Jim) and Catherine Houlihan in Pallas, Lixnaw.
A large family, they were very close, bonds strengthened by the sudden passing of Brendan’s father in 1948, when he was just 10-years-old.
He attended school in Clandouglas, a stone’s throw from his family home and, in later years, would enjoy sharing memories of school and escapades with his siblings and school friends.
At the age of 19, Brendan left Kerry to join An Garda Síochána, commencing his training in the Garda Depot (now Garda Headquarters) in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. During his career, he was promoted to Garda Sergeant and served in various locations across the counties of Carlow, Wicklow, Limerick and Kildare.
Romance blossomed on a visit to Seapoint, Galway in 1966 where he met Kathleen Scannell from Dublin. They married in February 1968 and set up their first home together in County Carlow. A number of postings followed, with Brendan and Kathleen finally settling in Naas, County Kildare in 1981 with their four children, Lorraine, Seamus, Ciaran and Padraig.
Brendan took great pride and enjoyment from his career with An Garda Síochána. His calm, fair and compassionate approach was often commented on by colleagues and ‘civilians’ alike. He retired from the ‘Force’ in 1994.
What he treasured most from his time with An Garda Síochána were the many enduring friendships he made during his career and continued to enjoy throughout his retirement.
Brendan was always proud of his Kerry roots. Although he left Kerry at 19, Kerry never left him and he always maintained a strong link with his home county, returning regularly to visit with friends and family. In recent years, his retirement provided additional opportunities to visit the ‘Kingdom’ and Kathleen and himself often enjoyed lengthy trips to Kerry, where a bundle of the Kerry papers awaited him.
In bringing up his four children, Brendan instilled a love of Kerry and of Kerry GAA, raising four staunch Kerry supporters – to their mother’s dismay! Their childhood was filled with trips to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium and Croke Park. His sons, in particular, have memories of long, animated conversations discussing football – unfortunately the discussion on Kildare football lasted only a few minutes before moving onto the lengthier subject of Kerry football.
Family was most important to Brendan and he was never happier than when surrounded by the whole family. As the years went by, he was delighted to welcome his son and daughters in law to the family. And, of course, his nine grandchildren held a very special place in his heart and he took great pleasure in watching them grow up. He was a loving and kind grandad, who touched their lives with patience and gentleness.
While Brendan hated the limelight and never wanted a big fuss made of himself, the family were blessed to have celebrated two big milestones before Brendan’s passing – his 80th birthday in November last and his and Kathleen’s 50th wedding anniversary in February of this year.
The word most often used to describe Brendan was ‘gentleman’ and he was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He passed suddenly on Friday, August 10, last while on a visit to Tralee, in his beloved Kerry. His family would like to extend their thanks to the emergency services, the staff of Tralee General Hospital and all who assisted Brendan in his final hour.
He is buried close to his birthplace in Kilfeighny Cemetery, Lixnaw and is deeply missed by his wife Kathleen, children, sister Norah (Condon), brother Patrick, grandchildren, extended family, many friends and neighbours.
Brendan’s family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who sent messages, visited the family home, attended Mass in Naas and stood with them at his graveside in Lixnaw.
May he Rest In Peace.