Fine Gael say O'Mahony's legacy will inspire future generations

FINE Gael have paid tribute to former Mayo TD and Senator John O'Mahony who passed away this morning aged 71.

The Kilmovee native who lived in Ballaghaderreen was best known as an inter-county football manager but entered politics late in life when he was selected to run as a Fine Gael candidate in the 2007 General Election in Mayo.

O'Mahony 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. He remained a Senator until 2020.

Paying tribute to O'Mahony, the Mayo Fine Gael Executive paid tribute to him saying he dedicated much of his life to public service and sport, leaving an indelible mark on both fields.

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. His contributions to politics locally and nationally, as well as his successes on the football field, are a testament to his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"John O'Mahony's legacy will continue to inspire future generations in both the political and sporting arenas.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family; his wife Gerardine, his five daughters, Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Cliodhna, his grandchildren, friends and colleagues during this difficult time." Mr. Higgins concluded.

Fianna Fáil TD, Dara Calleary also paid tribute to O'Mahoney saying that it was an honour to serve alongside him in the Oireachtas and he will be sadly missed.

“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. Indeed the loss will be shared across the island of Ireland in sporting communities everywhere.

“The greatest loss is that of his family whom he adored and without whom he couldn't have achieved all that he did.

“John's wife Geraldine, his daughters Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Cliodhna and their families and the O'Mahony and Towey families are foremost in Siobhan's and my thoughts today.

“John was a collegiate, focused and dedicated politician with the interests of Mayo and of the West of Ireland to the fore. He brought a lifetime of experience as a teacher and of sports management at the highest level to politics. Through that experience-and his inherent decency-he left politics a better place for that contribution.

“He uniquely managed Mayo, Galway and Leitrim and brought all teams to great heights of success-particularly winning two all Irelands with Galway. The success in all three counties truly awakened the west.

“May this noble son of Kilmovee rest in peace,” concluded Minister Calleary.