‘Brian was living his life for his kids and then tragedy struck’
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A LOCAL man, who was known by his friends and family as the Mayor of Tallaght for being so popular and well-known in the area, will be remembered at a soccer tournament in his name in Rathcoole where the proceeds will go to the Irish Heart Foundation and CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Aylesbury man Brian Byrne (40), passed away suddenly in December 2016 after suffering a heart attack, with the devoted family man leaving behind his partner Linda Carey and their then-five-week-old twins Anna and Ryley.
Brian with his partner Linda and kids Anna and Ryley
Brian, who was a sheet metal worker, regularly socialised around Tallaght and was described as a “loveable rogue” by his brother-in-law Richie Redmond.
Richie, who has played for St Mary’s GAA Club in Saggart, told The Echo: “He was a loveable rogue and a gentle giant, and he’d go out of his way to say ‘hi’ to people if he knew them. He was a gentleman.
“Brian passed away suddenly with a heart attack, and there were no signs beforehand.
“It was tragic, he was living his life for his kids and then tragedy struck.”
Brian’s partner Linda said: “Anna and Ryley were only five weeks old when Brian passed.
Always wanted to be a dad
“Brian had always wanted to be a dad and he couldn’t wait to hear them call him Daddy.
“He was so proud of them, as am I. All our dreams had come true and with twins that was double the surprise – we were over the moon.”
The Irish Heart Foundation and CRY were chosen by Brian’s family as the charities that would benefit from the Brian Byrne Charity Soccer Tournament, as the sudden nature of Brian’s death shocked his family and, according to Richie, they “don’t want this to happen to anyone else”.
Eighteen soccer teams will be competing in the tournament in Frank Cox Park in Rathcoole on Saturday, May 26, followed by a night of music and food starting at 7pm in St Mary’s GAA Club in Saggart, with tickets costing €10 each.
A raffle will also be held in St Mary’s GAA Club on the night, to purchase tickets email brianbyrnecharitysoccerday [at] gmail [dot] com
