There is widespread sadness in Portlaoise and surrounding areas this week at the death of Kevin O’Brien.
Kevin passed away peacefully at home following a battle with cancer.
Well-known through his work in the Department of Education in Tullamore, he was also involved in the local sporting scene with the O’Brien family particularly associated with the Portlaoise AFC soccer club.
His dad Seamus, fondly known as ‘The Rack’ was one of the club’s key members in the early years and his Squash club premises in Portlaoise were used as changing facilities prior to the development of clubhouse in Rossleighan.
Kevin played at all levels with the club and was a former secretary. In recent times he was coaching the boys U-14 team alongside his good friend Gordon Conroy.
“His guidance and advice to the club on all major projects was invaluable as the club grew,” said a statement from Portlaoise AFC.
“Kevin was always approachable for help and advice on anything club-related.
“A great love of sport with Portlaoise, Laois and Deportivo la Coruna was always uppermost for him.”
His association with the Spanish club Deportivo la Coruna was a quirky one shared by a number of other Portlaoise natives, many of whom made trips to see them play.
A number of friends and supporters – donning a mixture of the Laois and Deportivo jerseys (both blue and white) – paid tribute to Kevin at yesterday’s Primera Division game in Coruna.
Kevin was the dearly loved husband and best friend of Grainne. Son of Seamus and Bernadette and loving brother to Paul and Brendan.
He is deeply regretted by his loving family – mother-in-law Mary; sisters-in-law, Eileen, Patricia, Elaine, Therese and Catherine; brother-in-law Aidan; uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives; many dear friends and colleagues in the Dept. of Education, Tullamore.
His funeral mass takes place at 12 noon on Monday in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise https://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam/.
Cremation will follow in Newlands Crematorium on Tuesday, family only. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Cuisle Centre, Portlaoise.
SEE ALSO – Business Briefing: Ciaran Finane of Finline Furniture on expansion plans and Brexit challenges
