The brilliant performance and result against Aberdeen today was tinged with sadness for all in the disabled section of the Bobby Cox stand. News of the sudden passing of Brian O’Rourke on Wednesday, aged 41, put a damper on the result for all who had the privelege of knowing him.
A well known character who never missed a home game, Under-21’s as well, and made as many away matches as he could. A head injury sustained in a car accident two years ago left Brian partly paralysed though he insisted on walking with the use of a stick.
The last time I met up with Brian was at the Celtic Under-21’s match and true to form, he was in fine humour, giving the Celts a fair bit of criticism and cheering on his beloved Dees to the hilt. He had everyone in fits of laughter on that occasion when he got Jim Duffy and Nacho Novo to autograph his walking stick.
It was an honour to have known Brian and his humour was sadly missed today. Brian’s funeral takes place at the Crematorium on Tuesday at 11.00 a.m.
Rest In Peace, mate, missing the banter already. Deepest sympathies to your wife and family.