Bermingham, Patrick
May 03, 2013
Passing of business man who was a distinguished hurler in his youth
The death occurred recently of Patrick Bermingham, Main Street, Kinvara, an outstanding hurler in his day and the winner of All-Ireland hurling honours in his student days.
A member of the prominent business family, he also carried on business in the town.
An unassuming man by nature, he wouldn't dream of referring to the fact that during his teenage years and early twenties he was accorded wide recognition for his outstanding prowess as hurler.
His teachers in St Mary's College, Galway, where he was student in the late 1930s and 40s, singled out his scores as crucial contributions in the Connacht College victory in the All-Ireland Colleges Senior Hurling semi-final in Croke Park against Leinster in February, 1941, and the following month in the All-Ireland Colleges Senior Hurling final at Croke Park against Munster on St Patrick's Day, 1941.
The Connacht Colleges team created history in Croke Park on St Patrick's Day, 1941, by defeating the Munster Colleges team by 2-3 to 0-1.
The Annals of the GAA in Galway, Volume 111, 1935-1969, (2006) by Gerry Cloherty, set out the significance of the rare victory of the Connacht Colleges senior hurling team.
The people of Galway gave the players a warm reception on their returning home, following the final victory: "The team of eleven Galway and five Roscommon boys returned in triumph to Galway Station, where a band and a large crowd greeted them".
The Annals lists the team: P. Farrell (St Mary's), M. O'Connor (St Mary's), M. Brennan, (Roscommon C.B.S), J.Kilduff (Roscommon C.B.S.), C.Crean (Colaiste Einde), C. Corless (St Mary's), Captain, Patrick Tully (St Mary's), W. Carlos (Roscommon C.B.S.), F.Murray (Roscommon C.B.S.), B. Meagher (St Joseph's), P. Bermingham (St Mary's), D.O'Meara (St Mary's), A.O'Connell (Roscommon C.B.S.), ]. Meaney (St Mary's) and M.Nestor (St Mary's). J.Carr (St Mary's) was sub.
South Galway was strongly represented on the Connacht Colleges team.
The Annals continues: "Regarding this team, it is of interest that Carlos and Murray went on to claim All-Ireland Senior Football honours with their native Roscommon, while Colm Corless (a native of Kinvara) would star for Galway in the Oireachtas and National Hurling League titles.
"Michael O'Connor (a native of Ballindereen) became P.P., Kinvara, and Patrick Tully (a native of Castledaly) became P.P., Oughterard, later in life. J. Meaney hailed from Peterswell, C. Crean from Kilbeacanty, P.Tully and P.Farrell from Castledaly. M.'Hockey' Nestor hailed from Galway City".
Patrick Bermingham died after a short illness at U.C.H.
His remains were removed from Corless Funeral Home, Kinvara, to St Joseph's Church, Kinvara on Monday. Requiem Mass was celebrated there on Tuesday by Canon Frank Larkin P.P. Kinvara Choir with organist Mary O'Shaughnessy sang the hymns, which included 'The Lourdes Ave'. Burial took place after Mass at Mount Cross Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Thelma; by his daughter Thelma and Zelma; by his son-in-law Dave; by his sister Nonie May; by grandchildren Erin and Ronan; by nephews, nieces, other relative and a large circle of friends.
Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune
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