He was born in Dungarvan where his father Edward was Postmaster. It was Edward who discovered the remains of mammoth at Shandon Caves. A large bone rescued by him is now on display in the Collin's Barrack museum in Dublin. Richard Edward succeeded his father as Postmaster. He lived over the Post Office in Grattan Square ( now Curran's Furniture store) where he also ran a printing business and stationary shop.

In 1869 he founded the first cycling club in Ireland - 'The Dungarvan Ramblers C.C.' In that year the first cycle race for a challenge cup was run by the club and was won by Brenan. The cup is on display in the museum. Brenan published a monthly journal - 'The Dungarvan Monthly Illustrated Journal'. He was also an enthusiastic photographer and we are fortunate to have over 400 of his glass negative plates in the museum archive. He is buried near the entrance to St. Mary's Parish Church. You can view a selection of Richard E. Brenan's photos online.