Ballina stunned by death of a sporting and community colossus

A man described as a colossus of sporting and community life in Ballina passed away this morning. Gerry O'Donnell, former President of Connacht Rugby and one of the driving forces behind the success of Ballina Rugby Club died in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by his family and his death has cast a shadow on Moyside.

Gerry was a well-respected businessman in the region through the family's food distribution service, but it was through his love of rugby that the Ballinrobe native was best known. He played for many years in the Ballina front row, before graduating to coaching and on to administration. He was Connacht Rugby President in 2016 when the province famously defeated Leinster in the Pro12 final in Murrayfield and was an integral part of the success achieved by Ballina RFC in recent years on and off the pitch.

This morning, Alan Rowe, chairman of Ballina RFC said the death of his friend has brought great sadness to the club he loved so well.

"Gerry O'Donnell was a man like no other and his likes will not pass this way again. He had an unbelievable ability to talk to and connect with people of all ages in all walks of life. He made every single person feel part of the club. He made us a family and he was the leader of that family.
"We are stunned this morning to be waking up without him in our lives and it will hit the club hard, but our thoughts this morning are with Gerry's beloved wife Olive, their children, Olwyn, Olga, Roger and Rodney and their great family. May he rest in peace."

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.