A well-known and hugely popular Poyntzpass man, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, has passed away.
Despite overcoming his illness the first time around, Brian Magennis – described as a “great community man” – was less fortunate when illness returned in recent times, passing away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 16.
Brian, who was in his early fifties, is the beloved husband of Margaret, devoted father of Daniel and Ben; loving son of Liam and Kathleen, treasured brother of Ronan, Paul, Orlagh, Ciaran and Oonagh and cherished son-in-law of Sheila and Alec (Kilgallon).
Redmond O’Hanlon GAA, where Brian was a committed club member, lead in the tributes to a man so highly thought of by the many people who knew him.
“Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Brian will know just what a void he has left behind with his untimely passing,” the Club said.
“Faith, family and friends are the values that Brian lived by, as expressed by his sister-in-law, Sinead.
“Whether he was reading from the altar, or giving a team talk, when Brian spoke everyone listened.
“Brian was a hugely respected figure in our parish and throughout the wider community. Even in his younger years he had great wisdom and was always a man you could turn to for advice, be it personal or business.”
The Club referenced Brian’s business acumen, “thriving in the world of business”, starting from humble beginnings at Britvic where he rose all the way to the top as Commercial Director, “excelling in everything he done”.
GM Marketing, where he worked as Commercial Director, said they were “truly heartbroken” at the passing of their friend and colleague.
“Though Brian’s time with GM was short, his contributions have left an incredible mark on the business, and all who have had the privilege to work with him. His vision and leadership, alongside his compassion and kindness will leave a lasting legacy and continue to shape our path forward.
“He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the lasting impact he’s had on our people, our customers and our brands.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, his two boys, Daniel and Ben, and his extended family and friends.”
Brian was a big GAA man and , as his Club wrote: “His crowning glory on the football field came in 1997, when a hugely unfancied O’Hanlon’s senior team won the Junior Championship, beating the mighty kingpins Wolfe Tones in the final, with Brian as captain.
“This team went on to win the league; they were a great band of brothers, with the Magenniss brothers and cousins a central part of the team.
“Brian was a great community man, he was actively involved in the Church as a regular reader at Mass and he was also a school governor at St Joseph & St James PS.
“Brian loved to see people getting ahead, he loved to see young people developing and he would do all he could to help local people thrive.
“But it was as a family man that Brian truly excelled. He was totally devoted to his wife Margaret and to his two sons, Daniel and Ben, whom he adored.
When Margaret recently lost her sister Claire, Brian was her rock – even more telling given that he himself had fought the same battle just a few short years before.
“After Brian fully recovered he threw himself back into both the business world and sporting world with gusto.
“It wasn’t long before he found himself back along the sideline as part of the O’Hanlon’s senior management team, barking instructions at his players and berating referees with the same grit and determination he had shown many years earlier as a player.
“Brian was really only starting to get his life back together when illness struck again, and although he fought it with the same fortitude as he did the first time around, unfortunately the outcome this time was tragically different.
“Brian leaves a tremendous legacy behind him, a legacy that will linger in this Parish for many many years to come.”
Brian’s remains will repose at his late residence, 25 Canal Bank, Poyntzpass today Thursday from 6pm until 9pm and Friday from 12 noon until 9pm. Removal on Saturday at 11am for 12 noon Requiem Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Poyntzpass, burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife, sons, mummy, daddy, brothers, sisters, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and the entire family circle.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired to ‘Southern Area Hospice’ c/o the family or Paul McEvoy Funeral Directors, 80 Canal Street, Newry, BT35 6DX.
House private on morning of funeral.