We are deeply sorry to hear of the death of our former player and club member Hugh o Brien who died this Sunday morning at his home in Killarney. In his youth Hugh played minor and junior with The Legion and always followed the fortunes of the club. A passionate lover of all sport his football career was greatly curtailed when he discovered the great game of basketball and Hugh went on to become one of the best player in this county in his day. He played with various teams in Killarney when basketball was at its high in the New Town Hall and St Mary’s Parish Hall. He represented Killarney, Kerry at minor and senior, and had the unique distinction of being just one of the very few Killarney men to be picked to play with a Munster team. St Vincent’s were one of the great Killarney teams of the sixties and Hugh o Brien was their star, blessed with great ball playing skills I often saw him netting scores of 20, 25, and 30 points in a game as he won every honor available. He was of course tremendously proud of his son Peter who was the brilliant Dr Crokes, Kerry and Killarney Celtic goalkeeper, one of the best this county has ever produced. His late brother Eddie was also a passionate Legion man. Another great Killarney man steeped in the traditions of Killarney of the fifties and sixties has gone to his eternal reward. My memories of Hugh are of him displaying all the superb skills of the game of basketball in St Mary’s Parish Hall and the new Town hall as he tormented us all with his amazing scoring abilities. In latter years it was a joy to meet and chat with him and relive the days when we were opponents on the court of play. A lovely courteous, polite and brilliant conversationalist he will be sadly missed by family and friends. To his wife, children and extended family we extend our deepest sympathy (Tribute by Weeshie Fogarty) Enda Walshe In Legion team photo Eddie O Brien is on the left wearing the cap.In basketball team Hugh is in front row on right.
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 19:45:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015