Kilmaine shocked by London tragedy

SADLY MISSED Padraig O’Dea is pictured in action for his club Kilmaine in 2012.

Kilmaine shocked by London tragedy


Ciara Galvin

Last weekend, the tight-knit community of Kilmaine was plunged into shock once again when news of the tragic death of 26-year-old PΡdraig O’Dea filtered through.
Described as a ‘salt of the earth’ young man by Kevin McDonnell of Kilmaine GAA club, Mr O’Dea died following an accident last weekend in his adopted home of London.
The former Kilmaine footballer had been living in the English capital, where he worked as a Quantity Surveyor.
The O’Dea family, who live in the townland of Cloonamealtogue, are being comforted by their neighbours and friends.  Kevin McDonnell added that PΡdraig O’Dea was a talented Gaelic footballer player who had played with Kilmaine GAA club from underage up to adult level. He had also continued to play the game while he worked in London.
“He was a very nice quiet lad but very smart behind it all. He was salt of the earth. ‘Podge’ was part of the furniture,” said Mr McDonnell.

High regard
PÁdraig O’Dea was also held in high regard by all his colleagues in Kilmaine GAA club, something illustrated by his team-mates’ decision to nominate PΡdraig for the interview panel for the appointment of a new manager a few years ago.
Mr O’Dea was a past pupil of Ballycushion NS and completed his second level studies at Presentation College Headford.
He is deeply mourned by his mother, Teresa; father, Gerry; brother, Gearóid; and many friends and family.
PΡdraig’s death is the second tragedy to hit the South Mayo community this summer, following the sad passing of SeΡn Biggins in July.
Mr McDonnell said it was ‘another huge shock for Kilmaine’.
“There’s far too many parents burying their children. It is a terribly unexpected blow. It’s terrible for his family and the parish.”
Kilmaine GAA club paid tribute to PΡdraig’s on their Facebook page yesterday: “You had the heart of a lion on the field of play and [were] a gentleman off it. May you rest in peace.”
No funeral arrangements had been announced at the time of writing (Monday).