'A superb player and gentleman' - Tributes paid to father-of-two after tragic sudden death

Tributed have flooded in for GAA player and father-of-two Brendan McGrath, following his tragic sudden death.

Brendan, from Rathlee, Easkey, Co. Sligo, passed away this week, with his death notice saying Brendan died "unexpectedly".

The Sligo man was a passionate player and supporter for his local Easkey GAA club, who led tributes to Brendan following the sad news. Brendan made his senior debut with the club back in 1998, and was currently playing his 27th year of senior football.

Brendan will be forever missed by his heartbroken family, and will be remembered fondly by his beloved wife Dayna and children Finn and Tadhg, as well as his parents Joe and Mary and siblings Ciaran, Margaret, Eugene and James. 

Brendan McGrath is also missed by his grandmother Anne, mother-in-law Bernie, father-in law John, sisters-in-law Valerie, Sarah and Clare, brothers-in-law Paul and Darren, nieces, Lisa, Eva, Sarah and Kate, nephews Shane, and Jack, his aunts and uncles, cousins, his wide circle of friends and teammates at Easkey GAA.

READ ALSO - Warnings of potential flooding as 24-hour rain warning in place for 18 counties

In a touching tribute post, Easkey GAA club said "his passion and love for football and the club was incomparable".

"He excelled as an underage player, leading the team to u16, minor and u21 titles, along with winning an All Ireland Vocational Schools title.

"Brendan had an instant impact at senior level, helping the team to reach the senior final in 1999, before going on to win 3 intermediate titles, including captaining the team to the intermediate title in 2010 and was also part of our Connacht and Sligo Junior winning team that reached Croke Park. He also won an All Ireland Junior title with Sligo in 2010.

"Brendan was also a truly dedicated clubman, he was a coach for our u7 and u9 teams, volunteered to help out with works to our club grounds and was always on the other end of the phone when we needed his advice or expertise.

"He will be sadly missed by all in Easkey GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Many who knew Brendan were quick to leave heartfelt tributes, with one describing the man as "a superb player for the sea blues on the pitch and a gentleman off it".

Another wrote to Brendan's family, saying: "We are heartbroken for you, the children and the McGrath and Byrne families. May Brendan’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace".

Brendan McGrath will repose at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday 10th July from 5pm until 8pm.

The Funeral will take place on Thursday 11th July, and will arrive to Star of the Sea Church, Rathlee Co. Sligo for Requiem Mass on 11:30am. The house will be strictly private on Thursday morning.

Brendan’s funeral Mass will be live streamed here.

Donations if desired can be made to Croí care of McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina or online here.