John O'Mahony RIP

John O'Mahony celebrating following Galway's All-Ireland SFC Final win over Meath in 2001 at Croke Park.  Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns has paid tribute to John O’Mahony, who passed away on Sunday morning after a short illness.

From Kilmovee and later Ballaghaderreen, the schoolteacher, and later TD, was an All-Ireland minor medal winner with Mayo, and managed Mayo, Leitrim and Galway with distinction. He secured a first Connacht title since 1927 for Leitrim in 1994, and then led Galway to their first Sam Maguire in 32 years in 1998, winning again with the Tribesmen in 2001. He coached his school, St Nathy’s, to multiple successes as well as leading Mayo to the 1983 All-Ireland U21 title and the Mayo seniors to the 2007 Connacht crown.

Uachtarán Burns said: “John O’Mahony’s contribution to Gaelic football was immense and he sits alongside monumental managerial figures like Heffernan and O’Dwyer. The record books list his considerable achievements, and he is remembered fondly wherever he went. Those successes were built on his ability to get the very best out of people and to bring them together for a common cause.

"He had a passion for Gaelic games and for helping young people fulfil their potential. We were blessed to have him in our ranks and our deepest sympathies to his wife Gerardine, his daughters Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Clíodha, to his extended family and many friends.

"Suaimhneas síoraí da anam."