“A pure gent”: Galway soccer community mourns referee

By Emma van Oosterhout

The Galway soccer community is remembering one of their most respected referees, Colman ‘Coler’ Brady, who passed away last Friday, March 20.

Mr Brady passed away following a long illness. He lived in Tuam, Co Galway.

He is survived by his wife Grace, children Shane, Kevin, Daniel and Jessica.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Brady from around the country, including Galway soccer circles.

Mr Brady had his career in refereeing, but started off as a player with Tuam Celtic.

The club said on social media that Mr Brady was “always giving his time, support, and commitment to Tuam Celtic”.

The Galway branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society said in a statement that “Colman was a pillar of our refereeing community in Galway for over 25 years. Colman was admired by players, management, and officials alike”.

One online condolence read that Colman was “a gentleman, if there ever was one. Always had a word of support and encouragement to his fellow referees”.

A moment’s silence was observed at all Galway District League matches this past weekend.

Mr Brady’s funeral took place yesterday, 24 March, in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Tuam, before a cremation service at Shannon Crematorium.