Tears flow following death of talented GAA player in US who 'endured more than most could imagine'

The 47-year-old dad-of-three's family have said that "although his life was far too short, Des made the most of every day"

Tributes have poured in for a dad-of-three from Co Kildare who has sadly passed away in the US following a brave illness battle.

Des Brennan, 47, who was originally from Naas but has been living in the US for a number of years, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, after several years battling leukaemia.

One of five brothers born to Mary and Desmond Brennan, Des attended Naas Christian Brothers and went on to graduate from University College Dublin.

Des was a noted athlete during his youth and earned numerous accolades in Gaelic football and rugby, but it was hurling that was his greatest sporting passion.

After graduating from UCD, Des began working for AIB and in 2004 he moved to America to set up the bank's New York office.

In July 2006, j ust six weeks before he was scheduled to move back home to Ireland, Des met his future wife Amy at a bar in Manhattan and the UCD graduate chose to stay permanently in the US, with the pair tying the knot in July 2009 in Des's native Kildare.

Af ter two joyful years as newlyweds, the couple relocated to Philadelphia and o ver the next five years, they welcomed their three children - Bella, Charlie, and Grace.

The Kildare native's death last week has left his loved ones both in Ireland and the US heartbroken, with his family members sharing a moving tribute to the beloved dad-of-three.

In a lengthy statement shared online, Des's family spoke of his kindness and selflessness, writing: " Most of all, Des was known for his generosity.

"He never forgot a birthday, delighted in treating friends and family to a meal or thoughtful gift, and was always ready to help someone in need.

"He remembered the small details that mattered to people and had a remarkable ability to sense when someone was struggling.

"Whether offering a kind word, a helping hand, or quietly supporting a homeless man he passed each day on his walk to work in New York, Des consistently put others before himself."

His family also spoke about how Des faced his illness with " quiet strength and extraordinary grace", adding: " Even though Des battled leukemia in three different periods over the last 8 years, he never let it slow him down.

"He endured countless doctors’ appointments, hundreds of medicines and literal months at a time in the hospital trying to beat the disease.

"He gave it his all but didn’t want it to be part of his story. He rarely brought it up with others and tucked it away as much as possible.

"With quiet strength and extraordinary grace, he endured more than most could imagine, never complaining and never losing sight of the life he loved.

"He just kept saying 'hold fast - all storms pass' and quoting Churchill 'if you are going through hell, keep going'."

Des's family also spoke about his deep love for Ireland and how he looked forward to returning home every year to reunite with his brothers.

" No matter where life took him, Des carried Ireland in his heart," his family said.

"He read the Irish newspaper every morning and every night on his phone from cover to cover. Every single story.

"He streamed every GAA game and yelled from his sofa in Berwyn, PA to cheer his team thousands of miles away. His brothers, ‘the lads,’ were his favorite people and they could make him laugh so hard that he couldn’t breathe.

"Their annual trip to Kenmare for their famous Brothers Golf Tournament was one of his favorite traditions. No matter what, he found a way to get there each September."

"He cherished family dinners, where the day's stories were shared and even the smallest accomplishments were celebrated.

"In the evenings, he loved sitting by the fireplace, the scent of Irish turf in the air, reflecting on life and dreaming about the years ahead."

Finishing their moving tribute to the popular Irishman, Des's family added: "Although his life was far too short, Des made the most of every day. If you knew him, you loved him, and all of us are better for having had him in our lives.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and kindness shown to our family during this difficult time."

Des's friends and family back home in Ireland have shared their own tributes to the beloved dad-of-three, with his brother Martin writing in a message shared on social media: " Des so Blessed to have called you my brother and my best friend.

"Beautiful in every way. My heart is broken. I'll think of you every day, and I know you'll give me the strength and courage to face the days ahead in your own special way.

"Forever loved, forever missed."

While a close friend added: " I first met Des in a bar in NY in July 2004, just a few weeks after I’d moved to NY. I was at the bar buying shots, and added Des to the round. We had several!

"It’s fair to say I fell in love with him immediately.

"When you live away from home your friends become everything to you.

"It so poignant to me that Des and his amazing wife, Amy, built such a beautiful life and family in Philadelphia - literally the Latin for 'beloved brother'!

"Des was quite simply one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met. Our friendship, as with all his friendships, was defined by nothing but pure joy, laughter and love. A love for the man which is matched by the depth of sadness and heartbreak for his loss.

"I’ve been in Philly since last Wed hugging, crying and laughing with his beautiful family and other close friends.

"Des’s love and warmth will be with us all for life, and we are all the better for it.

"I’ll see you on down the road, Des, you great big beautiful man."

Des's family have announced that they will be honoring his wish to have his final burial in Ireland. Des will lie in repose at the family home on Monday, August 3 from 4pm to 7pm with Rosary Prayers at 6.30pm.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 4 with Requiem Mass at 10am in The Church of Our Lady and St. David, Naas, followed by burial at Saint Corban’s Cemetery, Naas.

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