Coiste Contae Thír Eoghain is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Brendan Harkin, former Uachtarán and Cathaoirleach CLG Thír Eoghain.
Is cúis mhór bhróin í do Choiste Contae Thír Eoghain bás Bhreandáin Uí Earcáin, iar-Uachtarán agus iar-Chathaoirleach CLG Thír Eoghain.
A driving force, if always low key and never high profile, within Tyrone GAA for well over half-a-century, Brendan influenced, guided, made, and then secured our County’s GAA history.
In 1981, Brendan was appointed as the youngest-ever Cathaoirleach of the County, a position he held with distinction for two terms, from 1981 to 1983 and later from 1990 to 1992. His commitment extended to various roles, including Rúnaí from 1984 to 1986 and as Ard-Chomhairle and Comhairle Uladh delegate at various times.
Ceapadh Breandán ina Chathaoirleach Contae, an Cathaoirleach ab óige riamh, áit ar chaith sé dhá thréimhse, idir 1981 go 1983 agus idir 1990 go 1992. Bhí róil dhifriúla aige, rúnaí san áireamh ó 1984 go 1986 agus ionadaí Ard-Chomhairle agus Chomhairle Uladh ag amanna ar leith.
Brendan played a pivotal role in Tyrone’s hurling development, managing the team to their first Ulster Junior Title in 1995 and clinching the All-Ireland title in 1996. His dedication to hurling continued as he served as Hurling Officer on the County Executive from 2010 to 2015.
A passionate advocate for Irish language and culture, Brendan, an Irish and History teacher, was hugely involved in Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear, showcasing his love for language and tradition.
His extensive involvement earned him the honour of being appointed Uachtarán CLG Thír Eoghain in 2016, a testament to his remarkable and selfless service to the association.
At Club level, Brendan’s impact was profound. As a player, Club Secretary, and an ever-present figure on the sideline, he witnessed and celebrated his beloved Killyclogher’s exploits from their early days right up to their O’Neill Cup successes in 2003 and 2016.
Tá raon buan fágtha ag Breandán ag a Chlub agus a Chontae. Déanaimis cuimhne go deo ar achan rud ata déanta aige, as a sheirbhís, a cheannasaíocht agus as a ghrá ollmhór do CLG i dTír Eoghain.
When he started his multi-faceted GAA life, Killyclogher were in Division 6 of Tyrone’s then six Divisions, and Tyrone had two Ulster Senior titles to its name. That his Club and County are now serial achievers at the very highest levels owes so much to Brendan Harkin and his lifetime’s work, so willingly and so honourably given.
A volunteer right across the full GAA spectrum, Club and County, taking on football, hurling, Scór, culture, heritage, physical development, administration, marketing/promotion, and good governance. Brendan was a driver of our modern Tyrone GAA revolution.
Brendan has left an indelible mark on his Club and County. We will always remember his dedicated service, his leadership, and his deep-rooted love for the GAA in Tyrone.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Claire, daughters, Kerri, Sinead, Gráinne and son Kevin, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family circle.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
By Rory Cox Fri 2nd Feb
