The Late Phil O'Brien (Syddan/Crossakiel)
July 19, 2012
Phil with cap and his wife Bernadette (to his right) at a Ballinlough game.
A hugely modest and very popular figure, Phil came from a family heavily immersed in all things GAA around the Syddan area. For years and wearing his usual midfield jersey, he lined out for his beloved Syddan. With cousins and brothers also involved, he was a vital part of the great Syddan team which scooped Meath senior football championships in 1949, 51, 52, and 1956.
Phil married Bernadette Donegan from an equally well known GAA clan in Rathkenny and came to farm in Crossakiel in the very early 1960's.
His sons Ciaran and Philip were outstanding underage players with Ballinlough. Subsequently Phil became more and more involved with his second club. At the time of his death Phil was Life President of Ballinlough GFC.
As Ciaran and Philip matured into men they were to the fore as an exciting group of youngsters propelled Ballinlough through the junior and intermediate ranks. They reached the knockout stages of the Keegan Cup (called after a Syddan clubmate and neighbour of Phil's) on numerous occasions but lady luck often deserted them when the big day arrived. Ballinlough and the O'Briens had some consolation as Senior League titles were gained in 1997 and '99.
Phil O'Brien had numerous relatives. Included are his nephews and former Meath stars Cormac Rowe and Gerry McEntee. Another nephew is present Fine Gael TD Shane McEntee as is Andy McEntee the present Meath minor manager. Phil's grand nephews Shane and James McEntee (cousins) are chosen to play for the Meath minors in Sunday's Leinster final
Phil has one daughter, Deirdre, who is married to Tommy Maguire. Tommy played with the old Robinstown team. Nowadays the family are involved with their parish club, Rathkenny. Deirdre, a physiotherapist, often acted in that capacity for the Meath senior football team. Incidentially, the previously-mentioned Ciaran O'Brien lined out for the Meath juniors in 1989.
To the writer of these words (and his family), Phil was a good friend and advisor for nearly forty years. He was a role model to many in the parish and those involved with the Ballinlough club. Always unassuming, kind and courteous, his parting makes this area of north Meath so, so much the poorer.
Phil will leave a huge void when the latest edition of the Meath Yearbook goes to the make up stages. His memory for games past, scores, players and their kin folk knew no rival.
Phil O'Brien was a teetotaller and like all of his family was a huge Meath supporter. For decades Croke Park and the O'Briens went hand in hand. It was a regular sight to see Phil and relations and friends (he simply had no enemies) in the vicinity of Jones Road on a summer's afternoon holding their post-mortem on the events of the day.
We are sure there will be a well observed minute's silence held at Croke Park in his honour prior to the Meath-Dublin clash on Sunday and how fitting that it will occur on the biggest day for Meath football in over a decade.
Phil's Funeral Mass will take place in Kilskyre Church next Saturday, July 21st at 11am.
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