The late Brendan McGloin 'brought warmth to every encounter'

Brendan McGloin - of 12, Dartry View, Kinlough, Co Leitrim and formerly of West End, Bundoran - was a well-known and much-loved stone sculptor, producing works in monumental, memorial, and public commissions.

His art travelled far and wide, both across Ireland and abroad. Many fine examples of his work can be seen in his hometown of Bundoran, including the iconic Carraig na n-Éan, one of his first commissions.

After earning a degree in graphic design, Brendan redirected his skills into stone building and masonry. He later emigrated to Bristol, where his introduction to stone cleaning and pointing on historic buildings ignited a lifelong passion for all things stone.

His most prestigious work was a 14-foot sandstone High Cross, replicating the original in Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. This piece was commissioned by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Portland, Oregon, where it proudly stands today.

Brendan is remembered as a true individual - his own person. He always had time for a chat and brought warmth to every encounter. A keen surfer, he cherished his deep connection with the sea and the land. He was our Stone Man.

He instilled in us a love and respect for heritage, folklore, and culture - and the importance of their preservation.
He was a wonderful, proud, and fun-loving father to Céalagh, Ruben Jamie, and Kyle, who are honoured to call Brendan McGloin their father.

Brendan, you are forever embedded in our hearts and minds. You are in the waves, the stone, the landscape. You live on in the smiles of our children, the glint in their eyes. Their expressions are yours. Your soul rings out in The Rocky Road to Dublin and in every tune you ever loved. We will never forget you.

Tá grá againn duit agus tá ár gcroíthe briste.
Until we meet again, mo ghrá.

Acknowledgment
The McGloin family - including Brendan's parents Claire and Frankie, sisters Geraldine and Sandra, and brothers Francis and Ciaran - would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them during the loss of Brendan.

“We wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Andrew Hodgson, Geraldine Walpole, and all the staff of Sligo University Hospital, where Brendan will be sorely missed,” they said. “Thank you for the decade of support, love, and kindness you showed him.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the removal, wake, and funeral mass, and to those who sent Mass cards and sympathy cards. Your kindness and support have helped immensely through this difficult time.

“A special thank you to Fr. Phair for the beautiful funeral Mass, accompanied by Fr. Munster and Fr. Keoghan, and to Niamh Currid and Annmarie Gallagher for the beautiful music. The funeral took place on April 7th in St Aidan’s Church, Kinlough.

“Thank you also to Doneal Breslin Funeral Directors for their professionalism and compassion. To all friends and family who helped during the wake, we are deeply grateful for your support. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our deepest appreciation.”
Brendan’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St Aidan’s Church, Kinlough, on Sunday, May 4, at 11am.