RIP: Danny Dolan was a true legend of Garrymore GAA Club

A veil of sadness lies across sporting circles in south Mayo since the news broke on Saturday of the passing of Danny Dolan, one of the true legends of Garrymore GAA Club.

Danny (75), Ballyglass, and formerly of Pulbawn, Roundfort, was an iconic member of the golden era for Garrymore in the 1970s and early 80s and was one of just four players to win six senior county medals with the club, the others being Billy Fitzpatrick, Mattie Joe Connolly, and Ger Farragher.

He was captain of the winning teams of 1975 and 1979 and also was a member of the team that won the Connacht title in 1982 before losing to Nemo Rangers of Cork in the All Ireland Final played down in Ennis.

It was not just in Garrymore and south Mayo that Danny was held in such fond regard but right across the county and indeed in neighbouring parts of Galway as well, especially around the Milltown and Kilconly areas.

Garrymore GAA Club said Danny Dolan was a true legend of Garrymore.

“He was one of the main drivers of the team during those glory years. He also trained and managed the team on different occasions. He nearly always wore the number 8 jersey.

“Danny held the role of Club Secretary in the 1970's and was elected Club President in 2021. He also played championship and league for Mayo.

"He lined out for the Mayo minors and Under 21's, winning a Connacht Under 21 title. He also trained the Claremorris Vocational School team that won the Connacht title.”

Billy Fitzpatrick from the halcyon days of the club was among the hundreds paying warm tributes to Danny.

“I spent a lifetime playing with the big man. He was our inspiration and leader. He always played with the spirit and determination of his beloved Garrymore. We will miss you, Danny.”

Danny, a member of the teaching staff at Claremorris VS in former years, was also widely known in farming and agricultural circles where he had many close friends outside of the sporting fraternity.

Hundreds of people queued over a few hours at Carey’s Funeral Home in Ballindine yesterday evening (Monday) as people made long journeys to pay their respects to the gentle giant.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick's Church, Ballyglass, on Tuesday at 12 noon with interment afterwards in the nearby Ballyglass Cemetery.

Danny will be sadly missed by his wife Rita (nee Loughlin), son John and daughter-in-law Claire, grandchildren Daniel and Kate, sisters Peggy and Mary, his brothers Jimmy, Bernard and Louis, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.