Footballer with 'infectious' smile to be remembered in Ardagh

Ardagh GAA have announced that their annual Fun Run on St Stephen's Day will be dedicated to the memory of their former player Diarmaid Farrell.

In a heartfelt statement the North Mayo club said Diarmaid's untimely passing on July 2 has left a great void in the team, the club and the community as a whole.

“No matter when or where you met Diarmaid, his smile was the first thing you would notice. Even during difficult training sessions, that infectious smile would be the encouragement his teammates needed to persevere. Alongside his great legacy as a footballer, all who knew him will also fondly remember his unique smile.”

Diarmaid fostered his great love of GAA at Ardagh National School where he played in the Cumann na mBunscol competitions for four years and famously scored 4-6 in 12 minutes in the county final in 2004.

He continued to excel at underage and was renowned for his dedication to training and the humour he brought to every session. After enjoyable and successful years with Ardmoy at underage level, Diarmaid's ambitious streak led to him spending a period of time with Ballina Stephenites where he playd junior and senior football, making many lifelong friends along the way. However, the fondness for his native club never left him and he returned to his old teammates and fitted in as if he was never away.

One of the most poignant moments of Diarmaid’s final farewell occurred when the Ballina Stephenites and Ardagh GAA clubs came together to form the Guard of Honour in his memory, a fitting tribute for someone who gave so much to both clubs throughout his life.

Diarmaid was a dedicated clubman. Over the years, he helped out with coaching the underage players and spent a number of years coaching the Ardmoy U-16 team. He was hugely dedicated to his sport and was always at the peak of his fitness, encouraging his teammates and those he coached to do the same.

Now, his clubmates in Ardagh have decided to honour Diarmaid's memory at their annual Fun Run on December 26, which is always one of the highlights of the holiday season in the locality. More details to follow.