BRENNEN FAMILY CHRONICLES
© Christopher Earls Brennen
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE CHILDREN OF WILFRED BRENNEN AND MURIEL EARLS
Wilfred Brennen and Muriel Earls had four children:
Christopher Earls Brennen
Michael David Brennen
Colin Johnston Brennen, the third son, was born in Magherafelt on Jun.1, 1946. He also attended the Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt where he did well both in sports and academically. He played for one year on the School First XV (rugby) and gained entrance to Queens University to study Civil Engineering. During one summer vacation while he was studying at Queens he worked in British Columbia, Canada, copper- prospecting for a mining company. After this he toured the USA. After graduating from Queens he went to work for a civil engineering company involved in road construction. After a brief time, he was employed as a civil servant designing bridges and roads and later was involved in the design of new housing estates and in administering building permits. In 1985, he and a friend left the civil service and set up their own civil engineering consulting business under the name of Scott and Brennen. In 1971 he married Diane Orr. They has two children, Mark Alan Brennen, born in 1972, and Paul Brennen, born in 1975. Initially they lived in Magherafelt but soon moved to 5 Seafield Park South in Portstewart, County Derry, a house to which Colin made many improvements. Colin came to enjoy the theatre in his middle-age; he starred in a number of local amateur productions. Colin died in Antrim Area Hospital on Feb.19, 2024.
Colin Johnston Brennen
Paula Gay Brennen was born on May 10, 1949 at the Mid-Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt, County Derry. She was a victim of Down's syndrome. However, being born into the rough and tumble of a family with three elder brothers, she grew up strong, healthy and happy. She enjoyed the local Magherafelt school for the mentally handicapped and was greatly cared for by the townspeople, all of whom seemed to know her. She enjoyed music and television and learned to read a little. She also became a good swimmer and won several gold medals in swimming at the Irish Special Olympics. Paula passed away quietly on Jun.15, 2010, at the age of 61, living more than twice the span that we were told to expect when she was born. In her own special way, she contributed to her world a gentleness and a love that will be long remembered.
Paula Gay Brennen Christopher E. Brennen