Legacy of inspirational Meath man who died 27 years ago lives on with offical opening of club grounds in his name
The efforts of a young Meath man in bringing gaelic football to Asia before his tragic death are to be remembered when a local soccer club's grounds are officially opened in his memory this weekend.
Derek Brady from Bohermeen was just 22 years old when he was killed in a car accident on the streets of Taipei in Northern Taiwan on October 19th, 1996.
He spent over three days on a life support machine, before his parents unselfishly decided to donate his organs to give six other people life.
Before his untimely death, Derek and a few friends threw himself into establishing the first ever Asian Gaelic Games, which was to be a landmark event for the Irish community over there. Determined and dependable until the bitter end, Derek was one of the pillars of An Cumann Luthchleas Gael Taipei and doggedly ensured that the tournament was professionally organised while making close-knit friendships and bonds.
Speaking ahead of the huge tribute to his brother, David Brady, who is chairman of Bohermeen Celtic FC, said his brother did more in his 22 years than most people do in a lifetime
"The pain never leaves us but as you get older and look back at what Derek achieved and what he did, it's more with pride than grief in looking back and when we get the gates open of Derek Brady Park, it will be even more than that.
"For a young man that was only around for 22 years, he did so much. Each time I hear a different story about him, it fills me and my family with pride.
"Derek and his friends went out to Taipei on a FAS scheme at the time and they decided to get the gaelic going, more for a social outlet than anything else.
"Their efforts led to the birthplace of the Asian Gaelic Games. My dad even got a replica Sam Maguire trophy made from crystal and got it out there.
"I remember when we were about 16 and we wanted to play a bit of football so we set up our own team and whoever had a brother was automatically in because it doubled the numbers
"We used to play a Kells team called Headfort Grove and that was the start of it but we never had a home. Then about 2017, we purchased land beside the school and Church in Bohermeen. We levelled three fields and have six acres now and about 300 members. The opening was delayed because of Covid but it's now time for the night when we will also unveil a plaque in Derek's memory.
"We have also just signed up with the FAI for Football for all. Bohermeen is great parish for getting behind any sporting team and the opening of the gates at the Derek Brady park will be a very emotional night for my family and I."
Derek Brady will be officially opened with the blessing of the pitches by Fr Andy Doyle at 12.30 on Sunday 24th, September followed by a presentation of medals to the juvenile and senior teams with the President of the FAI, Gerry McAnaney due to be in attendance.