Passing of inspirational Castlebar and Connacht badminton coach

THE death has taken place of Thérèse O'Brien (née Hope), Watersville, Castlebar and late of Loughrea, Co. Galway.

She is very sadly missed by her husband Paddy, daughters Laura and Deirdre, son Vincent, brother Tom (Dunboyne), sisters Mary (Vancouver), Ann (Wexford) and Sandra (Loughrea), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Paying tribute to her on his Facebook page, retired Castlebar teacher Adrian Keena, a local badminton club member, wrote: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend.

“Thérèse was the driving force behind the nurturing of many, many young Castlebar and Connacht badminton sportstars over the years, not to mention organising the adult badminton sessions in the De La Salle Hall in Castlebar.

“Whether working on a voluntary basis for Castlebar Badminton or Connacht Badminton, Thérèse was there organising and encouraging and always, always with a ready smile. We will miss you greatly, Thérèse . Rest in peace.”

Connacht Badminton also paid a warm tribute to her.

A statement by the organisation reads: "Thérèse was a major part of the Connacht Badminton family, she served her club, Mayo Badminton and Connacht Badminton for many years and also represented Connacht on the board of the Badminton Union of Ireland.

"Thérèse was also the mainstay behind Connacht Schools Badminton and she worked tirelessly year in year out to keep these competitions going and she always took great pride in the Connacht Schools taking part in the All-Ireland competition.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Thérèse heartbroken family Paddy, Deirdre, Laura and Vincent and her many friends and relatives."

Her remains will be reposing at the Coady Funeral Home, Linenhall Street, Castlebar, on Saturday evening from 5.30 p.m. with removal at 7.30 p.m. to her residence.

Removal takes place from her residence on Sunday to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, to arrive for Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. with burial afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery.