Today (Friday April 4) marks the one month anniversary since the voice of Meath GAA fell silent. On the evening of Friday March 7, Brendan Cummins passed away after an illness.
In the match programme for the Allianz Football League Division 2 Round 6 fixture against Monaghan a week later, a number of figures from the worlds of Meath GAA and the media paid their own personal tributes to Brendan and these have been reproduced below one month on from Brendan’s death.
Cian Ward – Wolfe Tones & Meath GAA
His love of football, his insight on all things Meath GAA, his genuine character and his keen sense of fun; Time with Brendan was always well spent. I was privileged to be with Brendan at many events over the years and on occasion shared the commentary box with him, I always enjoyed his company immensely.
With Brendan and his great friend Mattie Kerrigan in tandem, the craic was always mighty and the insight sharp, each match was a pleasure. As Meath supporters for many years with Brendan and Mattie we were treated to the best in the business. We felt every emotion possible with Brendan, he gave us that.
Brendan was always a very respectful and fair person to meet after a game, particularly a loss. He measured his words and despite how I felt before meeting him I always felt a bit better after speaking to him.
Our club Wolfe Tones have been fortunate that Brendan has been the voice on commentary for our successes on the field. His voice will always be a cherished part of the history of our community. We have also had the fine experience of Brendan as MC for many a Dinner Dance. His levity and his ability to entertain and educate all in attendance with his storytelling reflected his great skill and personality.
Brendan was a fountain of knowledge on Meath football, an absolute gentleman and we will miss him.
His voice will live on forever and we will cherish the memories he gave us.
Colm Corrigan – LMFM
There’ll be a lot of other people on these pages who will have known Brendan Cummins much longer than myself, but what I can say is that over our 33 years of friendship, I can honestly consider him one of my closest and cherished colleagues both on a professional and personal level.
We first cross paths in the Spring of 1992, not long after Brendan had been appointed LMFM’s new Head of Sport. As well as his weekend commentary duties, Brendan was also taking over presenting the flagship Monday to Friday evening sports show which ran from 6.30-7pm.
At the time, I was coming into the Station on work experience, but by that Autumn, I was also taken on as a full-time employee, responsible for the morning and lunchtime sports shift.
Brendan was my boss, and while there were a few years between us (!), we had much the same ideas on the editorial side of things.
Brendan was a great believer in highlighting local success, be it on the Meath or Louth GAA scene, a boxer, a golfer or a young apprentice jockey making good –
– ‘mention as many local people as you can, as they are our listeners’ – and he was right.
When I weaned myself into doing more and more match commentaries on my own, Brendan was also on hand to give advice if it was sought, but he was always constructive and never condescending. That was the way with Brendan – he had a warmth about him and it rubbed off on the people around him.
Although he didn’t start doing regular Meath commentaries until the early 2000s, he was already an established household name – he covered a number of Louth Senior Finals for the station in the 1990s, including the 2 match saga between Stabannon and St Josephs in 1994.
Brendan’s other big passion was horseracing, and he was a regular attendee at the Annual Cheltenham Festival. One of his greatest thrills was when the Dunderry horse ‘Don Doire’ won the William Hill Chase for Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh in 2006 – the celebrations lasted long into the night, but poor Brendan was still on work duty, and the following morning, had to get up at the crack of dawn to get his audio preview into the Station, for broadcast on the 8.20 bulletin. I can still remember making that phone call – but forever the professional, he was somehow able to rustle up something, in spite of the effects of the night before!
As time progressed, I became the regular Louth commentator and Brendan the Meath equivalent, and when the 2 counties clashed, we agreed to share the commentary responsibilities. There was a great mutual respect, and we always enjoyed the occasion, invariably with Mattie Kerrigan and Stefan Whyte as our two sidekicks. 2010 was obviously a difficult one, but we handled it as best we could, and there was never any animosity around the whole occasion.
With Mattie alongside him in the press box, Brendan was always at ease, and he had a flow about his commentary that made you want to hear more.
He’d often throw in a comment about someone’s grandfather who played back in the 1930s, and how his grandson was now following in those footsteps – great radio garnered from a magnificent fountain of knowledge.
When Brendan retired from LMFM full time in 2017, it let a deep void in our coverage for a time, but he returned at the end of 2018 just to cover the Meath games – and we were honoured that he was back doing what he loved, in his own inimitable style.
He was on duty for the Meath Ladies’ memorable All-Ireland victories and Meath’s Tailteann Cup success of 2023 – but on a personal level, Dunsany’s breakthrough Junior Championship victory of 2024 must have been the sweetest of all. It was perhaps fitting that this match was one of his final ones behind the microphone, doing what he loved, and involving a club so close to his heart.
While illness took it’s toll, Brendan never lost his interest or passion for sport in general – on our many phone calls, he’d inform me that he was just about to sit down in front of the TV to watch the racing, the snooker or some match in Europe.. Sport was a real lifeline and I know that looking forward to the Meath matches each weekend, kept him strong and motivated. His dear daughter Mairead was also a tower of strength, bringing him to matches and getting interviews organised. For all her devotion, he can be very proud.
While we’re still coming to terms with Brendan’s passing, there are so many good memories to look back on, and many lessons he’s taught me in life – enjoy every day and making the most of every opportunity. We only have a short time.
Rest easy my friend. You were one of the greatest.
Colm O’Rourke – St. Patrick’s Classical School, Skryne, Simonstown Gaels & Meath
The mark of great commentators is that it appears easy. As if they did not have to do any research or match names to jerseys or know the family history. That summed up Brendan Cummins, he knew every player, and their parents and probably grandparents, he knew the mentors on the line, the lad carrying the water and who was likely to get themselves in a scrape. He made it all look easy.
Brendan Cummins was the Google of Meath football. He knew it all. So much so that when there was a function, it was a case of get Brendan, when it was an oration for a funeral, it was get Brendan, when there was a dispute over a player, a game or whatever else, it was get Brendan. He will know. I wonder how many phone calls he got from lads in Pubs having a dispute over some game and the final declaration from someone was, ring Brendan Cummins. That verdict was law.
That trust and confidence which Brendan Cummins was held in was well earned. It came from a life time’s involvement in the GAA, at every level, and the great love and passion he had for the game. It was reflected in his commentaries. Calm, fair and balanced. Himself and Mattie Kerrigan spoke about matches like they were having a gentle chat. There was no histrionics or ever an attempt to put the boot in when someone was down. That was not Brendan Cummin`s style. He wasn`t out for sensation. Brendan saw his job as to relay the great events without him ever becoming more important than the game.
Over the years I was interviewed many, many times by Brendan on big games involving St Patrick`s CS, Skryne, Simonstown and Meath. I never ducked an interview with him as I knew it would always be fair and that was especially so on the bad days. He had a fundamental human decency about him, a trait more important than anything else. We will miss him greatly.
Cormac Reilly – St. Mary’s GFC
To say Brendan was a gentleman would be an understatement. I first met Brendan when I started refereeing back in 2000. I always knew his voice as I kept a close ear to the sports news on LMFM and it was lovely to put a face to his voice.
Brendan took over Referee Fixtures for one year and he was so professional and supportive, he always had a kind word and all he wanted was the best for everyone.
When I got onto the inter-county panel I would always make sure to pick up Brendan a match programme from any match I was involved in, he was always very thankful for getting the programmes.
Whenever we were going to matches the umpires would always have some questions about past matches or players, and if we couldn’t answer them, the first person we would contact would be Brendan and you could be sure he would have the answer for us.
I was delighted that Brendan finally got to do the commentary on the day his Beloved Dunsany eventually got over the line after nine attempts to win a Junior A Championship title.
Anytime Brendan was presenting the Radio show on Christmas morning on LMFM, if I sent him a text he would always play a request for my family.
A very keen horse racing fam, he always looked forward to Cheltenham race week. I’m sure Brendan will be cheering on Noel and Valerie Moran’s horses in the hope that he can get a couple into the winners enclosure.
Brendan was a very proud Dunsany man and he adored Meath football. His iconic voice will be sadly missed on big match days like today.
Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.
Gordon Manning – Irish Times Gaelic Games Correspondent
Brendan’s corner. Enter the press box at the back of the stand in Páirc Tailteann, turn right and down the end, just beyond a line of assorted chairs, Brendan Cummins was always there.
More often than not he would be accompanied by his trusty sidekick, Mattie Kerrigan. Together, the duo painted the story of Meath matches through the medium of radio for so many people and over so many years.
Whether you were in the car driving down the country on a warm June afternoon and turned on LMFM to hear how things were going in Navan or seated at home in front of the fire on a dark February evening, those commentaries became the soundtrack of Meath games.
Brendan was the voice of GAA in the county. Through his endless enthusiasm and boundless energy he brought so much excitement to listeners with his description of the action unfolding out on the pitch.
Of course Brendan’s coverage of the club scene was equally as extensive and listening back this week to his commentary of Dunsany’s Junior Football Championship triumph last October was both poignant and beautiful. He was clearly emotional at the final whistle, the victory mattered to him so much. It is a wonderful, heartfelt and authentic piece of radio.
Off air, Brendan was always such a welcoming and pleasant companion in the press box. With Noel Coogan passing away in February, it has been a mournful time for sports journalism in the county. They will both be deeply missed by so many in the fourth estate and beyond.
Monaghan come to Navan today for a pivotal promotion fixture. There’s a bit of giddiness building in the county again. It’s the kind of occasion Brendan would have adored.
He’d have been above in the press box, down beyond the line of assorted chairs, mic in his hand, Meath in his heart. Brendan’s corner.
Shauna Ennis, Máire O’Shaughnessy & Niamh O’Sullivan – Meath LGFA
We feel Brendan was very much a part of our journey with Meath and all three of us got to know him well during our time as captain. Brendan will always be remembered for his iconic way with words as he called in victories. To us, what was just as special was the way in which he delicately handled the tougher post-match interviews. Never patronising, he was honest and direct, but always fair and supportive. His presence will be deeply missed by all in Meath LGFA.
Trevor Giles – Skryne & Meath GAA
I was very sorry to hear of Brendan’s passing. Along with Kevin Mallon they were the LMFM GAA broadcasters that covered Skryne and Meath games during my career. Both were passionate about their job and passionate about the Meath team and thankfully many’s a happy day we all had.
I always found Brendan to be very professional and very fair in my interviews with him and while he was doing his job in the media he was always a friend to the players.
He was a passionate Dunsany man and I know he was particularly proud of Jimmy “Boots” McGuinness achievements with Meath.
My fondest memories of Brendan are from holidays abroad with the Meath team. He was on a couple of trips in his capacity as a County Board official. Dubai in particular we had a few good evenings out with Brendan and he was particularly interested in the thoroughbred horse racing scene over there and we attended a race meeting in Nad Al Sheebah (no betting allowed!) and met a good few Irish Jockeys that were working out there for the Winter.
We had a great tour of one of Sheikh Mohammed’s stud farms courtesy of Michael Osborne the renowned Vet from Kildare. I always enjoyed chatting with Brendan about sport and he would throw out an obscure question about a player with a unique achievement in some sport – it could be cricket, this was before mobile phones were common and where you actually had to know things, Brendan had an excellent knowledge of many sports and often settled many a debate. He would have given Jimmy Magee a good run for his money.
My sincere condolences to Brendan’s family, his voice will be greatly missed when I tune into LMFM for coverage of a Meath game or a local club Championship game.
May he Rest in Peace.
Sean Wall – Drogheda Independent
There are numerous abiding memories of Brendan Cummins over many years both as a commentator and Meath GAA official and one of them has to be his presenting of the annual championship draws live on LMFM which seemed to bring the best out of him each year.
An important fixture on the GAA calendar and one that was highly anticipated and eagerly awaited not only throughout the county but in far off places such as the US and Australia as players and supporters waited with bated breath to see who they were drawn against in the various championships.
Those 27 minutes after the 8pm news headlines encapsulated the professionalism and deep knowledge of Meath GAA that Brendan Cummins possessed. While all around might be losing theirs as they ensured that the draws ran smoothly, Brendan could certainly keep his head as the facts rolled off his tongue – 13 times Keegan Cup winners Skryne; Seneschalstown who have lifted the cup on four occasions, 1972, 1994, 2007 and 2009; Gaeil Colmcille who were last champions in 1991; St Peter’s Dunboyne who are this year managed by Ciaran Byrne; Moynalvey who reached the quarter finals in 2017.
And on it went and that just wasn’t for the senior draw. Brendan knew if and when Blackhall Gaels had lifted the Mattie McDonnell Cup and who was captain when Curraha were crowned intermediate champions and who might make the breakthrough after falling at the semi-final hurdle the previous year.
He could also reel off the Jubilee Cup Roll of Honour just as easily – how many titles Trim needed to catch Kilmessan, who was at the helm with Longwood and if Kiltale could bridge a three or four year gap or whatever.
It all came so natural and was a testament of the brilliant mind that Brendan had. It was seamless and his timing was also to perfection as he ensured his slot didn’t overrun and interfere with Totally 80s with Ken O’Sullivan or The Zone with Tuathla Lucey!
Sean Boylan – St. Peter’s Dunboyne & Meath GAA
When I think of the late Brendan Cummins an abiding memory of the great man is the incredible enthusiasm and joy which he both brought to and took from sport. And through his enthusiasm, he fed that into every home in Meath when PRO for the County Board as he transformed the way in which Gaelic Games were promoted within the county and then throughout the region as Head of Sport in LMFM and as commentator.
No matter what the event was, whether it was a game in Páirc Tailteann or Croke Park, a function or a Scór event, when Brendan picked up the microphone, he brought that event to life and into the modern world.
Brendan had a steadfast belief that sport created a bond that stayed with people no matter their circumstances. In 1987 when Meath won the All-Ireland, 23% of Meath were unemployed but whether you were good or bad, rich or poor, Brendan believed that sport had that ability to unite and make all people equal.
One of the principles that Brendan loved of the founding fathers of this Association was the directive to make our games better. Whatever it was that Brendan fought and argued for either at club, county, provincial or national level, he always brought that directive with him and never strayed from his beliefs.
Since the days of those founding fathers, Gaelic Games have spread to every corner of the world and that is something which Brendan took great pride from as the organisation from a small corner of the world, spread its wings to become the worldwide organisation that it is today.
Through his love of every element of Gaelic Games, whether it be Camogie, Football, Handball, Hurling Ladies Football or Rounders, Brendan passed the torch onto the next generation.
He showed us how to pass on the torch, now we have to follow in his footsteps.
By Meath GAA Fri 4th Apr
