Brendan Harkin was ‘highly distinguished GAA leader’

TRIBUTES have been paid to the prominent Tyrone GAA official and Omagh CBS schoolteacher, Brendan Harkin, whose funeral took place on Monday.

News of the Killyclogher native’s passing at the age of 75 has been greeted with widespread sadness.

Close friends, players and members of the Killyclogher GAA club for whom he played a crucial role in re-establishing in 1965, welcomed his remains back to the club grounds at Ballinamullin on Friday night. The club flag draped his coffin in honour of a man who had served as its secretary for 54 years.

Thousands of supporters at yesterday’s clash between Tyrone and Derry in the National Football League observed a moment’s silence for a man who made a remarkable impact across the GAA, education, the Irish language and history in his native area.

Current Tyrone County Chairman, Martin Sludden, extended his sympathy. He described Mr Harkin as a ‘highly distinguished GAA leader.’

“Brendan was twice Tyrone County Chairman and County Secretary who gave dedicated lifelong service both to his beloved Killyclogher St Mary’s club and to the Tyrone County Board,” Mr Sludden said.

“He was a true Gael, the epitome of Fior Gael. Brendan was highly respected all over Tyrone, Ulster and Ireland.

“When he was presented with the Credo award by GAA President, John Horan, in 2019, no one deserved it more.

“Brendan Harkin was cultured, knowledgeable and wise. He loved everything about the Association, its clubs and people.”

Omagh CBS said it was with heavy hearts that they bid farewell to an ‘educator, mentor and advocate.’

“He graced the halls of Christian Brothers Grammar School for nearly three decades,” a school statement said. “His legacy will forever reasonate in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

“Brendan was more than a teacher. He was a font of knowledge, wisdom and compassion. His warm smile and genuine interest in every student endeared him to generations. Whether in the classroom or the staff room, Brendan’s presence radiated kindness and understanding.

“His love of knowledge was palpable. As the head of Politics, he ignited curiosity in young minds, fostering critical thinking and a deep appreciation for the complexitities of history and governance. His enthusiasm was contagious, and many students found themselves drawn to the world of politics under his guidance.”

The school said that Mr Harkin’s legacy lives on in the minds of students, the camaraderie of colleagues and the spirit of the Christian Brothers Grammar School that he loved.