Kilkenny mourns the loss of a gentleman with the heart of a Lion

Kilkenny lost one of its finest citizens last week with the passing of Brian O’Callaghan.

A husband, father, grandfather and Lion, Brian spent all his life in Kilkenny, and will be remembered by all as one of our finest gentlemen ever.

Hundreds of mourners attended his wake at his home in Talbots Inch, and his requiem Mass at St Canice’s Church on Saturday morning last. A sombre occasion as Brian was taken far too soon — nevertheless the memories and legacy he left behind will last forever.

A former president of Kilkenny Lions Club, his devotion was to helping people in need and he did just that through the Lions. It was very much fitting that the Lions of Kilkenny paid fitting tribute to Brian with a guard of honour, he dedicated himself to the organisation.

Brian O’Callaghan was the son of John and Rosaleen O’Callaghan, and he grew up where he spent all his life — in Talbots Inch.

A student of Kilkenny CBS after his inter cert he went to Rockwell College. His father was an insurance agent for Hibernian Insurance in Kilkenny, and Brian followed in his footsteps.

He was hugely respected in the industry. He soon grew a loyal client base, and he believed in looking after every single one of those. Sales targets and commissions were not his driving goal — he wanted his clients looked after well and he was very much a man who believed in meeting people. It was noted at his mass during the offertory reception that a diary was brought up, as Brian was not one of those who went digital — by any manner or means.

He joined the Lions Club in 1982. Previously he was a member of Junior Chamber and that early sense of helping others steered him in the direction of the Lions — where his father was also a leading member.

He was there to serve, and the Lions entrusted him with the presidency on two occasions. First in 1987, and then in 2017 when his term marked the 50th anniversary of the Lions in Kilkenny, a year of celebration culminating with a gala dinner at the Newpark Hotel and there could have been no better Lion to lead those celebrations than Brian.

In 1996, Lions International bestowed on him the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for his work with the club and in the community. His work for the charity, fundraising but more importantly, helping those in need directly with not just material goods, but with his own time. This endeared him to the Kilkenny community - it is simply immeasurable the good deeds Brian O’Callaghan did for so many people who needed help at various stages.

He was devoted to his family. His passing will leave a huge void in the O’Callaghan family home.It was more than obvious of his great love for his fifteen grandchildren.

Married to Cynthia, they raised their family of six children in Talbot’s Inch, and the congregation heard many stories of Brian’s great wit, sense of humour and shared interests with the family — like his love of the sea and sailing in particular.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, John and Rosaleen and his sister Mary. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Cynthia and children David, Paul, John, Shirley, Peter and Caroline and his beloved Mingha, his sister Barbara, brothers in law Maurice and Sean, his fifteen adoring grandchildren, son in law, daughters in law and nieces.

As a very close friend remarked, Brian was the best friend a man could have in this life. He loved, as we say, the craic.
If the deeds in this life count, Brian O’Callaghan’s rewards in the next will be plentiful, and peaceful. May he rest in peace.