There was deep sadness in Mountrath this morning as a popular member of the community was laid to rest.
Sean Brophy, who was 85-years-old, was from Knockanina and late of Woodbrook, Mountrath.
He passed away on August 19 surrounded by his loving family and in the loving care of doctors, matron, nurses, and staff of Naas General Hospital.
Sean was a long-serving playing member of Mountrath GAA Club, and formerly played for Cuddagh – an amalgamation of Castletown and Mountrath GAA teams.
The Woodbrook man lived in England for a number of years before returning to Mountrath to take up the family business of hurley making.
Sean Brophy Hurley Maker is an international brand that supplies hurls to all corners of the globe.
Sean’s friend Tommy Dunne paid a glowing tribute to him on the Laois People Worldwide Facebook page.
He said: “We have come to the end of an era in the life of Mountrath and Castletown and indeed in the history of Laois hurling.
“Our old friend Sean Brophy passed to his eternal reward. A strong and deep passion for hurling and a love of life.
“We could write a book on his life and exploits. A hundred thousand hurl sticks made their way from that little workshop to all corners of Ireland. They made their way to Australia, America and England.
“Imagine all the people that enjoyed swinging those ash sticks. Remember him kindly and with a smile.
“It was right and fitting that on All Ireland hurling final day he should pass to his eternal reward.”
May he Rest in Peace.
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