Brendan Mooney, RIP

It is with great sadness that we learn of the the death of Brendan Mooney who passed away in Cork on Thursday evening after a short illness.

Brendan a native of Ballinabrackey, Co Meath, began his career as a journalist with the Westmeath Examiner before moving to Cork to work for the Cork Examiner. On settling in Cork he joined Leevale Athletic Club and remained a member throughout his life representing the club at national and international levels.  Brendan was an accomplished sprinter and  invaluable member of the Leevale men’s team who won three consecutive national league titles during the 70’s.

Leevale 4 x 400 metres relay team at Rieti, Italy in 1976 where they set a club relay record of 3.20. Left to right: Mick O’Flynn, Brendan Mooney, John Hunter and Colm Cronin

As a former athlete Brendan excelled in athletics  sports reporting, providing athletics with a level of coverage and understanding not seen before or since. Brendan covered all the Olympic Games from Montreal in 1976 to London 2012 prior to his retirement.

As a sports writer Brendan also provided unrivalled  coverage of boxing and cycling. He covered the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia when Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche were at their peak. He reported on all  sports at a local, regional and national level.

Brendan was married to Ann Mooney and the couple have four adult children Joanne, Caroline, Brenda and Richard. He is also survived by his mother Elizabeth and his six siblings.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.