End Of An Era At Berney Bros Saddlery In Kilcullen As Master Craftsman Retires After 51 Years

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 14:44

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

During his half-century with the company, Clifford worked on saddles for many of the leading names in Irish racing, particularly through the 1970s.

A remarkable chapter has closed at Berney Bros Saddlery in Kilcullen, as master leather craftsman Brendan Clifford retired after an extraordinary 51 years with the business.

His departure marks both a personal milestone and a continuation of his family’s long association with the 145-year-old saddlery.

Clifford joined the workshop straight from school in the early 1970s, following in the footsteps of several relatives who had worked there before him.

His grandfather, granduncle, brother and cousins were all part of the Berney Bros story - so much so that, as locals often joked, it was hard to tell whether the firm was run by the Berneys or the Cliffords.

During his half-century with the company, Clifford worked on saddles for many of the leading names in Irish racing, particularly through the 1970s.

Trainers such as TP Burns, Con Collins, Francis Flood, Mick Connolly, Mick O’Toole, Paddy Mullins and both John Oxx and his father were among those who came through the workshop to discuss their requirements with the Berney family.

Looking back, Clifford said his time in Kilcullen passed more quickly than he could have imagined - a result, he believes, of working in a craft he loved alongside good colleagues and fair employers.

He paid tribute to the generations of Berneys he’s worked with, describing them as great people to work for.

Having reduced his hours gradually in recent years, Clifford is now stepping fully into retirement.

Speaking on Kildare Today, he explained what a typical day looked like.