Amidstsadness,Patfindsglimmerofhappiness

IN a week that marked the passing of his mother, Beaufort GAA legend Pat Breen marked his own 70th birthday and, despite the sadness, all at the club wished to mark Pat’s milestone birthday nonetheless.

Pat’s mother, Susie, was a great supporter of the club in her own right and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

For the occcasion, the club sent us the following to be published:

“On the occasion of Pat’s 70th birthday it would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the huge contribution that he made to Beaufort GAA Club,” read the statement.

“Pat was part of the superb Beaufort Juvenile team that won the Mid Kerry Championship in 1964 and this was a team that really laid the foundation for the subsequent success of Beaufort Senior teams.

“He earned a name for himself as a great midfielder as he moved through the Minor ranks and quickly on to the Senior team in 1969.

“By the time the Novice Final of 1972 came around, though, he had moved to the full-back position and, together with John Scully and the late Fr Michael Kelliher, they formed a formidable full-back line as Beaufort lifted the cup.

“Over the following years he made the full-back position his own and there was no prouder man than Pat when

Beaufort won their first Mid Kerry Senior Championship in 1976 with a comprehensive victory over Laune Rangers. Indeed, on that famous day the Beaufort defence, marshalled by Pat, held the Rangers’ attack scoreless in the second half.

“The club lost Pat’s services through emigration but the legend lived on.”

Happy birthday to Pat Breen and our sympathy is extended to his family and extended family on Susie’s passing.

Eli O’Grady pictured celebrating his 6th birthday recently.

Pat Breen from Beaufort who recently marked his 70th birthday.