Brendan was a life-long passionate advocate for Offaly GAA.
Tributes are pouring in after the passing of former Offaly GAA's chairperson Brendan Ward.
The Durrow man oversaw two All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, as well as four Leinster titles.
The most famous of which, the campaign that saw a replay of their semi-final against Clare in 1998.
The first running of that game was blown up early with Clare leading, Offaly fans invaded the pitch and staged a sitting protest.
It was Ward that diffused the situation and secured a replay.
Offaly went on to win the replay and beat Kilkenny in the final.
The Faithful county also won the 1997 Leinster football final in his time over the county.
Speaking to David Hollywood, current Chair of Offaly GAA Michael Duignan says there were few in the game that would have handled 1998 in the right way:
Midlands 103 commentator Brian Gavin says he was subtle and strong in equal measure:
Offaly GAA supporters have also been paying their respects to Mr. Ward.
Messages of condolences and remembrance have been shared by all members of the GAA and wider community.
Offaly GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Life President Brendan Ward, R.I.P.
— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) July 30, 2023
Mr Ward was a long-serving Chairperson of Offaly GAA between 1989 and 2002 and was a selector when Offaly won the All-Ireland U21 Football Championship in 1988.
Offaly GAA extends… pic.twitter.com/UJEAhir08T
Brendan is reposing at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore, today from 4pm until Rosary at 7pm.
Removal from his home is tomorrow morning to St. Colmcille's Church, Durrow, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am.
Burial after Mass is in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Bethany House Nursing Home.
Screeney Sets Sights On Silverware After Overcoming "Pinnacle Of Hurling"
Athlone Meet Galway In Crunch All-Island Cup Contest
Westmeath Ladies Looking To Bring Chaos To Leinster Final
Aughrim Set To Witness Intense Championship Battle
Kilbeggan Racing Returns This Week
Offaly Racer Signs With McLaren
Offaly U20s Win All-Time Classic In Tullamore
Westmeath Face Must Win Meeting With Meath
Lowry Starts Late For PGA Championship Assault
Offaly's Team Game Ready For Kilkenny Test
Sheedy Claims Record Extending Leinster Pitch & Putt Matchplay Title
Offaly Looking To Shake Off Kilkenny Fear Factor In U20 Blockbuster
Athlone Keep Pace In Women's Premier Division
"We Have To Get Back On The Horse" - Justin McNulty
Westmeath's U20 Footballers Claim B Championship Final Spot
Laois' Healy Savouring London Win In Tullamore
I Could See From The First Minutes We Were Off - Declan Kelly
McIlroy Wins Wells Fargo While Lowry Struggles
Offaly's Minor Hurlers Fall To Wexford
Athlone Club Land Back To Back SFAI Cups