John O’Mahony to be laid to rest in Ballaghaderreen

A lifetime of achievement

A minute’s silence was held at Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council where councillors paid tribute to John O’Mahony, describing him as a gentleman who represented his native county with distinction both on the sidelines and in politics.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John O’Hara described O’Mahony as a ‘local legend’ who was one of the best men to ever live in the county.

“He did a lot for football in the county and within the GAA, and he has left his mark around the county. It is only right that we mention him and remember him as a legend in our county and one of the best,” he said.

Fine Gael councillor Neil Cruise told the meeting that John O’Mahony lived a lifetime of achievement in education, football and politics.

“John gave freely of his time, and he had an interest in people and helping them. The one thing that struck me about the hundreds of comments made about John in the last number of years is that he empowered people. He got the best out of people by empowering them,” he said.

His party colleague, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said that it was a privilege to have known O’Mahony, describing him as an inspiring individual, saying one of his best characteristics was his ability to listen to people.

Cllr Munnelly also praised the role John O’Mahony played in the development of Ireland West Airport Knock in recent years, after he was asked by Enda Kenny to chair a committee set up to look at the future of the airport.

Fianna Fáil councillor John Caulfield from Kilkelly said he knew John O’Mahony’s parents and said they were well respected in the local community, with his father operating a travelling shop.

Sinn Féin councillor Gerry Murray said that John O’Mahony was an extremely proud Mayo man, who was able to motivate young people both on and off the football pitch.

_{Crowds gathered outside the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Nathy, Ballaghaderreen, at the removal of the late John O'Mahony (Pic: Conor McKeown)}

An amiable, decent man

O’Mahony came to national prominence when he guided the Mayo senior footballers to their first All-Ireland final in 38 years in 1989. He stepped down as Mayo manager in 1991 but returned in 2006 to win another Connacht title in 2009 before resigning in 2010.

Current Mayo GAA Chairman Seamus Tuohy said everyone associated with GAA in the county was saddened to hear of his passing.

“First and foremost, John O’Mahony was a true gentleman. He was kind, caring and so humble. He was passionate about his native county and in particular Mayo GAA. He was such an astute manager and very respectful of the players, their families and all the GAA clubs in Mayo. John had an outstanding GAA brain and was meticulous with his planning and team preparation. He was a GAA innovator and was one of the first GAA managers to ever use video analysis and player performance statistics.

“John O’Mahony contributed so much to Mayo GAA from his time as a teacher in St Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen to taking over the Mayo U-21 team back in 1983. His infamous quote ‘Keep the faith’ before the 1989 All-Ireland Football Final will always be remembered in Mayo.

“He was also very involved in club football in Mayo and was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with clubs in every corner of the county. He always had a friendly smile and acknowledged everyone. He was an amiable, decent man,” commented Seamus Tuohy.

Leadership skills

O’Mahony entered politics late in life when he was selected as a candidate to run for Fine Gael in the 2007 General Election. He was elected as a TD in that election and was re-elected four years later when he was one of four Fine Gael candidates to win a seat in the 2011 General Election.

Following the reduction of the number of Dáil seats in Mayo from five to four, O’Mahony ran as a Fine Gael candidate in the Galway West constituency in the 2016 General Election but failed to win a seat.

He was appointed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to serve as a Senator in Seanad Éireann and was Fine Gael spokesperson for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Current Mayo TD and former Mayo footballer Alan Dillon said he played under John O’Mahony from 2007 to 2010 and said he admired the qualities he had that allowed him to transition from sport into politics.

“I think these qualities were testament to how he could transition leadership skills and be able to connect with people. He had a very successful career as a TD and as a senator. He was very well-liked across all parties within the Oireachtas. He demonstrated those qualities to bring people together and work towards a common goal across all Oireachtas committees,” the Fine Gael TD said.

His party colleague Michael Ring TD also paid tribute saying that O’Mahony was a true gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Jim Higgins, former TD, Senator and MEP and current chair of the Mayo Fine Gael constituency executive, expressed his sadness at John’s passing.

“John O’Mahony was a stalwart of our community here in Mayo, a dedicated public servant and a brilliant football manager,” he said.

Fianna Fáil TD, Dara Calleary also paid tribute to O’Mahoney saying that it was an honour to serve alongside him in the Oireachtas.

“The sense of loss will be felt right across our county of Mayo and across Connacht as we mourn a distinguished political representative and a sporting icon,” said Minister Calleary.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in the Cathedral today (Thursday, July 11) at 12 midday.

John O’Mahony will then be laid to rest in Kilcolman Cemetery, Ballaghaderreen.

His Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed.

He is survived by his wife Gerardine, his daughters Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Cliodhna and brothers Dan and Stephen.