Dr Alan Delaney was a true champion for his Mayo people and sporting friends

DR Alan Delaney, Doctors Road, Ballyhaunis, who died peacefully at his home last week, surrounded by his family, rendered wonderful service to the people of east Mayo and west Roscommon over many decades of exemplary dedication to his chosen profession.

A native of Castlerea, Alan (82) was a past pupil of Gormanstown College and later graduated from UCG. He made a huge contribution to the life of the Ballyhaunis region for over five decades.

Dr Delaney was from the ‘old school’ and many were the cold winter nights he answered calls and drove out into the rural heartlands to attend to people in emergency situations. He never saw it as a burden but as a grace and blessing that he was in a position to lend help and reassurance to patients and their families in such situations.

Ballyhaunis Golf Club was among the many expressing condolences to his family in the aftermath of the news of his passing last week. “Alan, our dear friend, had been a staunch member of our club since the early 70s and has served as both Captain and President. He was always on hand to help out with our Juniors and beginners and was also often seen helping out with jobs that needed to be done out on the course.

“Alan was a fierce competitor and was instrumental in Ballyhaunis winning our first men’s title when he won his play-off match in the Jack O’Sullivan final in Gort in 1999. Husband, father, grandfather, friend and a champion always. Rest in peace, Doc.”

Dr Delaney was one of the founding members of Ballyhaunis Rugby Club back in the 1970s. “Dr Alan, along with his good friend Hugh Curley (RIP), was instrumental in the setting up of Ballyhaunis Rugby Club. He was to the fore in the purchase and development of the present club grounds which are a testament to his vision and love of the game.

“He was Captain of the first adult team that played in 1977 and later served as Club President. We extend our sympathies to Alan’s family, neighbours, friends and Rugby teammates,” said a statement issued on behalf of the club.

Ballyhaunis GAA said they were saddened to learn of the passing of their former player. “Alan captained our Masters (Over 30s) side to county success in 1978. He also represented his native Roscommon at minor grade and won a Sigerson medal with UCG in 1960.”

Reposing was at Donnellan’s Funeral Home. Fr Stephen Farragher, PP, presided at the celebration of the funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church and interment took place afterwards in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.

The combined Parish Choir and the Abbey Male Choir added greatly to the beauty and poignancy of the liturgy and celebration of Dr Alan’s life. His son Dónal (Dan) delivered a short tribute towards the end of the Mass. Friends from Ballyhaunis Golf Club formed a guard of honour outside the church.

Alan, who was predeceased by his wife Joan and his brother Michael (Fr Ailbe), will be sadly missed by his family, Dónal. Laura, Keith, Ursula, Áine and Alan, his daughters-in-law Inese, Mary and Eimear, grandchildren Harry, Adam, Jane, Sophie, Anna, Lukass, Nancy, Maggie, Ailbe and Avery, sisters Pauline and Joan, cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Dr Delaney was remembered and included in a minute’s silence prior to the start of the Mayo v Roscommon Connacht semi-final match in Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, last weekend.