The death has occurred of Sean Brosnan, Knockananlig, Castleisland, Co. Kerry and late of Tullig, Castleisland and Gortatlea Mart.
Peacefully on July 3rd 2020 surrounded by his loving wife and family in the wonderful care of the Palliative Care Team at University Hospital Kerry.
Sadly missed by his loving wife Imelda, his adored daughters: Eilish, Reidín, Bríd, Juliette and Shauna, his cherished nine grandchildren: Sean, James, Eadaoin, Conor, Seana, Lily, Jamie, Alex and Anabelle, sons-in-law and partner, sister Joanie Casey, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
The Brosnan Brothers
Sean was born in 1936 as one of a family of seven boys and seven girls. He grew up on the family farm with his parents John and Elizabeth Brosnan.
From an early age he was captivated by the cattle trade, traveling with his brother Mossy to fairs all over Munster, trading as ‘The Brosnan Brothers.’
Early morning cattle fairs, working in his aunt’s store in T. H Murphy’s Hardware and weekend dances in Farranfore and Scartaglen comprised his early life.
Five Years in Chicago
In January 1962 he emigrated Chicago and was successful in the building trade until he returned home in 1967.
On his return he rekindled his love for the cattle trade. At this time Castleisland Mart was scheduled for another reopening and he was approached to take the position of manager.
During the next twelve years it became one of the most successful marts in Munster.
In 1981 there came the parting of the ways and with the support of his family and many loyal friends he established Gortatlea Mart.
Brosnan’s Mart in Gortatlea
It is still known as Brosnan’s mart and continues to trade very successfully under the management of his nephew Maurice.
Besides his family and the cattle business Sean’s other great love was rugby. He played as No. 7 with Castleisland and Garyown clubs.
Nothing gave him more pleasure than attending or watching a rugby game.
He was a formidable player and dreaded by his opponents in his playing days.
There are many stories of their escapades on and off the field such as the day they were scheduled to play against Skibbereen, by all accounts a polished, affluent group.
Cattle Lorry / Team Lorry
They were waiting patiently for the opponents to arrive when in dismay they looked on in horror as Jeffrey Flemings cattle lorry mowed in to the center of the pitch and let down the loading board – out ran the Castleisland team dressed in a rainbow of colours and some in their bare feet.
Sean hated goodbyes. He often spoke about a journey to Cobh when his sister was emigrating to America.
The bell rang telling everyone to board the boat, to take them out to the liner, the loneliness and crying of sad goodbyes left an indelible mark on him.
May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.
Funeral Cortege on Main Street at 12 Noon on Monday
A private family funeral will take place for Sean R.I.P. with the Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am in Castleisland Parish Church which will be livestreamed at the link below.
Burial afterwards in St. John’s Cemetery, Castleisland.
The funeral cortege will depart Castleisland Church at approx 12 noon and travel via the Main Street of Castleisland on route to St. John’s Cemetery.
Seán Brosnan’s funeral service will be streamed live through the link here: http://www.churchservices.tv/castleisland
Date Published: Saturday 4th July 2020. Date of Death: Friday 3rd July 2020.
