Joseph Brennan, the founder of the hugely popular Brennan's Bread bakery, has died aged 82.
Brennan, who was affectionately known as "Old Mr. Brennan", died "surrounded by his loving family at home" in Dublin on Sunday, May 26.
A notice on RIP.ie says that Brennan was the "much loved father" of David, Declan, Colm, Suzanne, Deborah, Michelle, and Joseph, and that he is "sadly missed" by his grandchildren, his great grandchild, daughter in laws, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A funeral mass for Brennan was held on Thursday, May 30 in Foxrock, Dublin.
Brennan's family has requested donations be made to the Irish Cancer Society.
Originally from Rathfarnham in South Dublin, Brennan founded Joseph Brennan Bakeries in a single room in Fumbally Lane in 1972, where he baked loaves of white bread.
The bakery later relocated to Kimmage before moving to Walkinstown, where its main center of operations is located today.
Although Brennan's is one of the largest bakeries in Ireland, the company remains family-run and operated.
Brennan's is well-known for its humorous radio commercial featuring "Old Mr. Brennan," a character modeled on Joseph Brennan. The character is also famous for the catchphrase "today's bread, today."
A "Guaranteed Irish" product, Brennan's Bread is now exported internationally to France, Spain, Portugal, the UK, Belgium, the US, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
Kantar, a data, insights, and consulting company, has found Brennan's to be the most chosen brand in Ireland every year since 2017.
Brennan's Bread on a supermarket shelf in Ireland. (RollingNews.ie)
Tributes have poured in for Joseph Brennan in the wake of his death.
One online tribute said Brennan "did so much for the baking industry in Ireland."
Another warmly said: "He was a visionary in the baking industry and in business but a family man above all."
Several noted the legacy that Brennan has left behind.
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