John O’Mahony, a celebrated football manager in All-Ireland, had a profound admiration for his home region and adopted hometown, particularly Ballaghaderreen, as mentioned by his daughter Deirdre at his funeral mass. Other than football and politics, he cherished the everyday elements of his town: the scenic countryside, the miles of roads he traversed daily, and the local individuals he encountered throughout. Above all, he was a man of the people, deeply admiring their generosity, loyalty, and sense of community. His affinity for his pals and their weekly card games was also noted by his daughter.
Deirdre paid tribute to her father during his funeral mass that took place this Thursday afternoon at St. Nathy’s Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. The mass was officiated by John’s brothers, Fr Stephen O’Mahony and Fr Dan O’Mahony, as well as his brother-in-law, Fr Tommy Towey. John O’Mahony passed away, aged 71, after a prolonged illness at the University Hospital Galway on the past Saturday, July 6th.
Deirdre fondly remembered her mother Ger’s playful term for her father as her ‘present husband’, hinting at an arrangement that could change anytime. This, however, reflected an extremely close bond between them that was highly apparent to those who observed their relationship closely.
Deirdre reminisced about her father’s upbringing in Magheraboy, near Ballaghaderreen, with their home being the last one in Mayo, bordering Roscommon with a stream as the marker. John often remarked that the border seemed like a 10-foot wall to him as a child. This childhood environment, Deirdre suggests, ignited his passion for football and created an intense competitive spirit in him. His philosophy was that ‘rivalry is the lifeblood of the GAA’, the pulse of which raced unceasingly the nearer one was to the border. This sentiment applied to any contest John was part of; he relished any form of a game.
Fr Stephen O’Mahony poignantly remembered his brother, not simply for his victories, but for the way he addressed his defeats. He’d retreat for a few days, walking the lanes around Ballagh, spending his time on the dauntingly exhaustive peatlands, only to return with a well thought out strategy, a blueprint for success. The heart of John was faithful to the plan, dedicated to the mission, the people and his faith in his own capabilities.
During the eulogy, Fr Stephen painted a portrait of a spiritual man, who was a tough competitor yet always maintained a spirit of teamwork. When victory came, he did not hoard the praises, but attributed the success to the collective efforts of all, understanding that no one person alone can achieve greatness.
John O’Mahony’s life wasn’t entirely characterised by sickness, which he battled in his later years. His years of good health equally marked his life. Throughout, he remained extremely honoured to be identified as John O’Mahony’s sibling, but like all humans, he was imperfect and made errors, as Fr Stephen reminisced about an incident over five decades ago when John, acting as a referee during a football game, wrongfully sent him off the pitch.
While acknowledging that his brother’s mission on Earth had been accomplished, Fr Stephen prayed for his peaceful repose. The tribute included various symbols indicative of John’s life: football Jerseys echoing his playing days, a geography tome representing his teaching stint at St Nathy’s College, his parliamentary card testifying his political career, and a family picture illustrating his deep love for his relatives. Last but not least, a cross, blessed by none other than Pope Francis was presented, a cherished possession of John’s in the final weeks of his life.
The service was attended by his loving wife Gerardine O’Mahony, their five daughters Gráinne, Niamh, Rhona, Deirdre and Cliodhna, and his brothers Fr Dan and Fr Stephen who were his primary mourners.
In attendance at the large gathering were renowned figures such as Capt Paul O’Donnell, who stood in place of President Michael D Higgins, and Simon Harris, the Taoiseach. Helen McEntee, the Justice Minister; Maireád McGuinness, EU commissioner, and parliamentarians including Alan Dillon, Michael Ring, Bernard Durkan, and Frank Feighan were also present. Notable former members of parliament, Jim Higgins and Beverly Cooper Flynn also graced the event with their presence. The event was further graced with the presence of important personalities from the sports world including Jarlath Burns, the GAA president and John Prenty, the director of Connacht GAA. The event had a sprinkle of military decorum with the presence of the former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Two other important figures were Pádraic Joyce, manager of the Galway senior county football team and Andy Moran, the ex-manager for the Leitrim senior county football team. Renowned columnists Seán Moran, Seán O’Rourke and Martin Carney also witnessed the event. A burial ceremony was later conducted at the Kilcolman cemetery.