Area left reeling by sudden death of popular man

A close-knit rural community on the Offaly border with Westmeath has been left reeling with shock this week as it comes to terms with the sudden death of an exemplary local vet who was a partner in a very successful practice in Roscrea.

Noel Bracken, who was a native of Bracklin, Ballycommon passed away suddenly on Saturday last, May 3, and tributes have been continuing to pour in all week for a young man who has been described as “a real gentleman” who was “always polite, always friendly and always helpful.”

The 33-year-old vet was held in the highest esteem by his veterinary colleagues in Roscrea, where he was a partner in the Damer Veterinary Clinic. He joined the practice in 2017 after graduating from UCD and became a partner just two years later, making his home in Roscrea where he immersed himself in every aspect of the community and developed lifelong friendships.

As a gesture of solidarity with the grieving family, a huge crowd of staff and clients of the Damer Clinic, along with his friends and sporting colleagues from Roscrea Rugby Club gathered outside the veterinary practice on Tuesday evening to say a poignant farewell as the remains of Noel Bracken passed by his workplace before the cortege made the journey to the home of his devoted parents, Moss and Martha, in Bracklin.

Having grown up on the family farm, where he developed his love for animals at a young age, Noel Bracken worked extremely hard to realise his dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon. He worked in the Bridge House in Tullamore to fund his studies, and packed so much into his short life, including travelling the world with friends and family.

The young Offaly man excelled in his job as a vet, and countless tributes from former clients of Damer Veterinary Clinic described him this week as being “an incredible vet with the biggest heart” and being “so kind to animals and people.” As well as working in the Roscrea veterinary practice which he co-owned, he was also on the panel of. vets at some of the biggest horse sales in England and Ireland.

Described as the most generous friend who was always willing to offer help to everyone he met, both personally and professionally, the late Noel Bracken was also the subject of warm tributes from former classmates in UCD and sporting friends on RIP.ie since news of his sudden death emerged, with one tribute saying he was always “smiling, chatting, laughing and encouraging others around him to do the same” and another stating he was “a real gentleman with a great sense of wit and a mischievous glint in his eye” who made “a lasting impression” on everyone he met.

As well as being steeped in farming and all aspects of the local community in Ballycommon, the Bracken family is also very involved in sport, with the late Noel Bracken's brother, Aidan, a member of the Offaly football panel and another brother, Barry, being a former club captain with Tullamore RFC who has overcome serious injury in the past number of months.

Noel was extremely proud of the achievements of each of his four siblings, including his younger brother James who is a Lieutenant assigned to the Irish Army Equestrian School at McKee Barracks and his only sister, Marie, who is pursuing a career as a speech and language therapist.

As a mark of respect to the memory of the late Noel Bracken, Ballycommon GAA cancelled its weekly bingo session on Wednesday night and also postponed its Division 1 League match which was due to be played today (Friday).

The late Noel Bracken is predeceased by his dear uncle Pat and is beloved grandparents and will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his devoted parents, Moss and Martha, his beloved sister Marie, his dear brothers James, Barry, and Aidan, along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, housemates, and his many treasured friends and colleagues.

His will be laid to rest in Ballycommon later today (Friday) following funeral Mass in Saint Francis of Assisi & Bridget Church at 11am. May he rest in peace.