Galway United's Ollie Horgan was kind, honest and unapologetically himself - 'He was just a phenomenal character'

Brendan Horgan, former Finn Harps manager and Galway United coach, died on Thursday, August 28, aged 57, following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Anita; children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David; sister Mary; and brother Ger. His funeral mass took place on September 1 at Church of Christ the King, Salthill, and drew a large crowd. President Michael D Higgins attended alongside many figures from the League of Ireland, including Galway United and Finn Harps squads, former players, and managerial peers such as Stephen Bradley and Damien Duff. His son described him as a good father and shared childhood stories highlighting his honesty and humour. Mr Horgan began teaching at St Eunan's College, Letterkenny, following his studies at University College Galw

A family man, teacher, and football manager, he was revered by both those who knew him personally and those who were familiar with him through the stories that became part of League of Ireland folklore. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins was in attendance, as well as a vast number of faces from the League of Ireland consisting of the Galway United and Finn Harps squads and many former players.

His honesty was evident from a from a young age, and my granny told me a story years ago," he said. "When he was in town and she brought him into the shops, she bought him an anorak that that she probably shouldn't have. "She made him promise that he wouldn't tell his dad. He said 'No, no, I won't tell Dad'. "When he landed home anyway, he walked into the sitting room, and he said to his dad 'We didn't buy no anorak!'

The former Finn Harps manager and Galway United coach died on Thursday, August 28, aged 57, following a brief illness. Mr Horgan, son of the late Joe and Bernie and brother of the late Martin, is mourned by his wife Anita and their children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David, sister Mary and brother Ger. His funeral mass took place today, September 1, at Church of Christ the King, Salthill, where a large crowd gathered to remember Mr Horgan.

Read at Irish Independent