One of Galway’s best-known characters retires from work

Date Published: {J}

One of the best known characters in Galway can now kick back and enjoy more time to himself after he retired from working life this week.

Brendan Coffey has finished up working in Debenhams (formerly Roche’s Stores), where he held a position for more than 30 years.

He was born 65 years ago in Dublin on January 10 1945, the same day as Rod Stewart, and his work mates and friends this week honoured him with a big farewell party in the Imperial Hotel.

Brendan was born in Rathfarnham, Dublin on January 10 1945, he was cared for in his early years by the Sisters of Charity in Cabra, and later as a young boy transferred to the care of the brothers of Charity in Cork.

From there he moved to Galway and in his late teens he began a working career that saw him work in many Galway hotels including the Warwick, The Rio, The Timree, The Banba and the Corrib Great Southern before taking up his position with Roche’s Stores and, subsequently, Debenhams.

Brendan lives independently in Renmore under the Brothers of Charity semi-independent living programme. He has a beautiful modern home in which he is extremely happy.

At the farewell party for him in the Imperial Hotel at the weekend, Brendan was described by former colleagues as “a unique and generous man who has endeared himself to many sporting and charitable organisations in Galway for whom he works tirelessly”.

“Not a man for formalities he invariably self-appoints to the cause of many organisations and the fruits of his endeavours, for the causes, were always, without exception, deeply appreciated,” the tribute said.

It would be impossible to list all the organisations, but he is a familiar sight collecting for Western Alzheimers, Daffodil Day, Irish Kidney Association, Croí, CRY (Christmas Day swim), Brothers of Charity, Oranmore Senior Citizens, Abbey Church Sale of Work and St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church to name but a few.

On each St Patrick’s Day Brendan volunteers as steward for the dignitaries stand for the city’s parade and he also helps the Galway Vintage Motor Club, the Galway Solemn Novena and for years he helped the Renmore Panto.

“Another major role he plays is that of Mascot to the Galway Senior footballers and, as he says himself, he is the only one left from the John Dunne era. He is known throughout Ireland’s main GAA grounds, not least Croke Park where he has been on first name terms with Presidents and Taoisigh alike,” colleagues said in their tribute.

Those who know the man well say that his persona, despite being literacy and numerically challenged, is amazing and he never forgets a face although everyone he knows is invariably greeted by ‘Hello Boss’.

“He is one of Galway’s true characters who is happiest when he is with people let it be in his workplace, GAA stadia, travelling on the bus or train or sitting in Eyre Square, and it is our hope that he enjoys the long, happy and healthy retirement that he truly deserves,” the colleagues said.