04/06/2026
A few years ago the milkman ‘retired’. In all truth he didn’t really. He just did his business differently. He didn’t know what that word meant. I can’t remember when himself and Oliver took over from their father Barney and continued on the family business. I tend to think it more of continuing a family tradition.
Long before we had social workers and care in the community, we had the milkman Brian King and his likes. Delivering milk to customers, spending time with them, having a cup of tea, a chat and enjoying the craic. Sometimes this milkman who was always dapper dressed was the only person they saw that day or even that week. Maybe there was even a run over the Town to get a lightbulb for a customer. He also delivered newspapers to many of his customers. Brian was there for them and he made their day. Simple kindness. There was more to delivering milk than just delivering milk! There are still people in delivery trades, today, just like him. Although safe to say they are fast disappearing and we may not see their like again.
Brian, our Club President from 2018 to 2021 , life member and former club trustee, passed away suddenly today (4 June). We are all extremely shocked and saddened at his passing. He was more than just a milkman. There would be very few who didn’t know Brian. He performed many roles in our club from managing teams to working hard as a committee member. He was also a forward thinker.
Brian and Margaret never missed a dinner dance/awards night. He could not have been more proud when Margaret was inducted into our Club Hall of Fame last November. His love and pride in Margaret was plain for all to see. He was of course a recipient of the award, in 2012, prior to Margaret. Brian and the King family’s contribution to our club is immeasurable.
His last club outing was on 29 March, this year, at a Club Reunion Night in Hillyard House. He proudly wore his Club President’s jacket on the occasion. This scribe was delighted to be in his and Margaret’s company that night and to es**rt them home afterwards. Little did I think.
I could eulogise about Brian from here to eternity. There are so many good things to be said and that would hardly begin to cover it all. We have lost many in our community of late and Brian you are one of those great people who have left us far too soon. We will remember you for the fun, the craic, the kindness and your great wisdom. Above all you will be remembered as a great family man. It’s often said people never die when they live on the lips of the living. Brian, you will be talked about for many, many years to come! Rest in peace our friend.
The Executive Committee and Members of CLG Naomh Maolmhaodhóg, Caisleán Uidhilín wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Brian’s wife Margaret (life member) on the loss of her husband, and Niall (life member), Conor (life member), Maeve (life member), Ronan (life member) and Moya (life member) on the loss of their father. We also extend our sympathy his brothers Phil and Oliver (both life members) sisters Gertie, Rosemary, Margaret and Pauline on the loss of their brother. We also remember Brian’s late brother Colm at this time. Also our sincere sympathy to the wide King family circle on their loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.
