Former Claremorris footballer dies in England

Michael Commins 

THE death has taken place in Essex of John Mongan, formerly of Kilbeg, Claremorris. John was a member of a talented Claremorris football team back in the mid-1950s and he retained a life-long love for the sport and Mayo football.
“John was a tower of a man,” said Cormac Hanley. “He played at both midfield and centre-half forward. His brother Stephen and Willie (now both deceased) were also prominent members of the Claremorris team.
“John had a massive kick of the ball and his overall style was very similar to the great Frank Evers of Galway fame in that era. All who played on the same team as John remember him with much fondness.”
A special Mass will be celebrated in St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, at 12 noon next Monday, August 8, with interment of ashes in Ballinsmalla Cemetery afterwards.
John is survived by his wife Maureen and family who are travelling from England for the ceremonies next Monday. He was also a brother-in-law of Eileen Mongan and uncle of Mary Mongan in Kilbeg, Claremorris.