I’ll sell you a good car for the price of a bad bicycle.
That was one of the great quotations used by Jimmy ‘The Priest’ Brennan of Drakelands, well known for selling and repairing second-hand cars.
The 94 year old has passed away after a long and happy life with the family he loved and in the company of those he at times referred to as his ‘parishioners’.
He enjoyed a few pints at Seamus Rafter’s Sceilp Inn after a hard day’s work.
Inevitably, Jimmy, baptised James, was the life and soul of any party, interesting conversation and banter as he regaled locals and visitors alike.
He truly was a wonderful character, described by a witty friend as a man who 10 times out of 9 would be in good humour.
He cherished life, meeting people and in a magical two-way street, people loved Jimmy.
No sign of The Priest yet, someone would offer in his favourite bar seat at The Sceilp.
Should be along any time now, another would assure.
Jimmy would make a grand entry.
DELIGHTED IN CHATTING TO AMERICANS
God save all here could be his opening line.
He delighted in chatting to American visitors who rambled across the road from nearby Hotel Kilkenny.
What an entertainer Jimmy was, witty, friendly, with a singing voice that was very easy on the ears.
His favourite prop for US friends on tour was the grate of the fireplace at The Sceilp where he would sit, tell stories and sing what we might term Paddy Whackery Irish songs for an appreciative audience.
Life won’t be the same without our Jimmy. But we will never forget to remember him.
Jimmy’s wife, children and extended family were his priority.
But in a happy-go-lucky world in which he lived, he treasured too his greater Kilkenny family that had the privilege of calling him friend.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Chris; son John; daughters Trish and Christine; sisters Kay Doyle and Maureen McAdams; daughter-in-law Mags, grandchildren, Aimie, Karen, Sarah, Nikki and Aoife; great-granddaughter Sophie; nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his brother Seán.
Requiem Mass was at St Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown followed by interment at adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
