Liam

The late Tony Finnerty

The town of Ballinrobe is in deep mourning with the sudden passing of one of its most enduring characters, Tony Finnerty (70), Creagh, on Monday, August 17th. Tony’s death is acutely felt by a wide range of local organisations and everyone who knew and loved him. In Ballinrobe GAA Club, we are only too well aware that we have lost a man who was unwaveringly loyal in his support of our teams. Tony was Tony. Or Flat Out as he was almost better known: a nickname that derived from his extraordinary appetite for hard physical work. Tony helped out people all over Ballinrobe and beyond, be it fixing a twin tub washing machine or reshaping a garden. When Tony arrived on site, there was only one outcome: the job would be done, even if it meant improbably early-morning starts or late-night finishes. He appeared almost indestructible. A native of Creagh, he attended the local CBS primary and secondary schools. He worked in SPS factory in Galway for a brief period before taking up a full time position as a telecommunications technician with the Department of Post and Telegraphs, as it was then known. He stayed with the organisation as it moved through a variety of name changes, earning widespread respect for the thoroughness and courtesy with which he went about his work. But that love of hard work was just one of a number of motifs that captured Tony: perhaps the one that most defined him was his good humour.  His wonderful capacity for fun and friendship infected all who came into contact with him. Every minute spent in his company generated a smile and a laugh. Although he did not play much Gaelic football, he followed the fortunes of Ballinrobe and Mayo year in, year out. No journey was too far: and the car was always full. Friends based in Dublin speak warmly about the inevitable arrival of Tony and his entourage on the morning of big Croke Park games – out with the box of sandwiches, sundry savouries, bananas and apples, plenty for everyone, for a final feed before travelling the few hundred yards to experience whatever would unfold at the famous venue. Just a few short hours before he passed away, he took up his usual position – at the first corner as you enter Flanagan Park – to watch our junior team stage a storming comeback to defeat Garrymore in the South Mayo Championship. He’d have enjoyed that victory, not least because his nephew, Mark, figured in the triumph and another nephew, Kieran, is a member of the squad. His sporting interests also extended to horse-racing – he never backed big, but he loved a punt. He was a regular steward on the final gate before entering the course proper at Ballinrobe Racecourse meetings, enjoying a friendly and insightful word with jockeys, owners, trainers and sundry other characters who make up the world of racing. If Mayo or Ballinrobe were not in action, and there was no race meeting within striking distance, he was known to venture to Tuam, Thurles or Limerick to watch hurling or football games. He loved the buzz of big sporting occasions, the sense of anticipation, the chance encounter with a footballer or a horse trainer, the dizzying excitement of it all. Tony was quick to put his hand in his pocket to support our fundraising initiatives. This was done quietly and without any fuss because that was the mark of the man: in fact, it was a matter of pride to him that he would contribute.  He was also a member of Cáirde Mhaigh Eo and had already booked his ticket for our Mayo Intermediate Football Championship clash with Crossmolina in Parke next Sunday. Another characteristic was his love of family. His wife Marie (formerly Mulrennan, Gurteen, Ballyhaunis); sons, Mike and Paul; and daughter Michelle; meant everything to him – without ever being conceited, he was deeply proud of their achievements, including Mike’s stellar career as a journalist and broadcaster; Paul’s footballing triumphs with Ballinrobe and Mayo; and Michelle’s victories in the Special Olympics arena. Mike is a former player, who won a South Mayo U16 title, and a former club secretary. Paul played on our 2000 and 2002 Intermediate Championship winning teams and our 2001 Mayo U21 Championship winning side. As a Mayo player, he won a Connacht U21 title in 2001. Tony was a doting and dearly loved grandfather, too – on Saturday last, he attended the christening of his latest grandchild, Éanna, in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. The extended Finnerty family will miss him greatly. As will Ballinrobe. His white van, travelling from home to land he rented at various places around the town, was a common sight. That first corner of Flanagan Park will always be synonymous with Tony, a man who lived life to the full. The maroon and yellow Ballinrobe flag flew at half mast at Flanagan Park on Monday morning when news of his death spread around the community. Tony’s first cousin, also Tony Finnerty, passed away last week after a lengthy illness. making this a particularly harrowing time for the broader Finnerty family. We extend our deepest sympathies. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Bridie, Tony is survived by his wife Marie; sons Mike and Paul; daughter Michelle; daughters-in-law Celine and Louise; grandchildren Ella, Siún, Eoin and Éanna; brothers JJ and Pat; sisters Kitty, Mary and Helen; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nephews; nieces, extended family; friends and neighbours. Funeral details are published here: https://bit.ly/312QT8l. The funeral Mass will be streamed on Ballinrobe Parish 2 Facebook page at 12noon on Wednesday. Ballinrobe GAA Club will form a guard of honour at the removal of his remains from St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, to the New Cemetery after the funeral Mass. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.   John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.  

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Club History Series

Club member Liam Horan is compiling Club History Video Series on Facebook. Here are the episodes to date – you don’t need to be a member of Facebook to view them, just click the link: Imminent: The Ballinrobe v The Neale rivalry of the late 1970s, early 1980s. We’ve started flying a few kites for that already see HERE Episode 9, 1950s and 1960s revisited – The McSweeney family spent about 16 years in Ballinrobe in the 1950s and the 1960s. David and Dan played with the club and father, Denis, was very influential in the purchase and development of Flanagan Park. All three were mentioned in previous episodes and we were delighted to track down David for this episode. We are joined by Michael Coyne, Billy Horan and James Bradley. We also pay tribute to the late Gerry Fahy, who died suddenly earlier this week, and who was centrally involved in so many great football successes (male and female) in Ballinrobe CBS and Ballinrobe Community School Episode 8, South Mayo Junior Championship win, 1971 – guests Michael Coyne, Noel Galvin and Tommy O’Malley recall the historic year of 1971, when we won the South Mayo Junior title for the first time since 1958. Lots of good memories and newspaper reports on the three big games of that year against Kilmaine (South sem-final, Irishtown (South final) and Ardnaree Sarsfields (Mayo semi-final, where we came acropper) Episode 7, Flanagan Park 2 – major developments – guests Michael Coyne, John Gilrane and Sean Murphy reflect on major developments at Flanagan Park since the 1970s. It’s about the venue, but it’s really about the people. Some of the pictures are obscured in the video, you can see them HERE  Episode 6, the purchase of Flanagan Park – guests Michael Coyne, Billy Horan and Jim McHugh, all members of the original committee that purchased and developed Flanagan Park in the early 1960s. Plus current Pitch Officer David Walsh, who has some breaking news.  Episode 5, 1979 Mayo Intermediate title – our first intermediate championship. Interviewees are Tommy O’Malley, Geoff Diskin, Denis Conroy and Padraic Costello. Some of the pictures are obscured in the video, you can see them HERE  Episode 4, 1886 to 1969 – interview 4 with Michael Coyne + pictures Episode 3, 1960s – interview 3 with Michael Coyne + pictures Episode 2, 1950s – interview 2 with Michael Coyne, replete with pictorial records Episode 1, 1950s – interview 1 with Michael Coyne   Watch social media for further details. Liam is on the look-out for photographs and other memorabilia. And he is open to suggestions as to who he should interview as well as we set about joining the dots in the club history. All photos from the full history series can be downloaded HERE   Other videos that capture the past: 2020 short interview with Tom Treacy (1953 All-Ireland Minor winner and Ballinrobe star over many years); Tribute show to the late Kieran Cawley 2020;  Tribute by Michael Coyne to the late Joe Jennings 2020.

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The late Fergal Loftus, RIP

  Ballinrobe is in mourning this evening with the news that Fergal Loftus, Carrowkeel, Ballinrobe, passed away today after a lengthy illness that he bore with great courage. Fergal was a member of a highly popular and respected local family. He played for our club at all levels, including senior, and was held in high esteem by colleagues and opponents alike. The Loftus family have always been strong supporters of the club and, indeed, a wide variety of other sporting and community activities in Ballinrobe and the wider south Mayo region.   He will be sadly missed by his loving parents Vincent and Ann, sisters Majella and Jacinta, brothers Ivor and Walter, brothers-in-law David and Padraig, sister-in-law Debbie, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many many friends. Fergal’s Funeral Mass will take place privately (in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines) in St. Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe on Sunday at 12pm. (May 31st), burial afterwards in new cemetery Ballinrobe. A mass to celebrate Fergal’s life will take place at a later date.  You can express your sympathy HERE We extend our deepest sympathy to the Loftus family at this sad time.  John Flannelly, Chairperson, Ballinrobe GAA Club.

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The late Mary Quinn, RIP

Ballinrobe GAA Club extends sympathy to the family of Mary Quinn, Church Road, Kilmaine, who has passed away. Mrs Quinn died at the residence of her son, TJ, on Main Street, Ballinrobe, where she had been living in recent times. The extended Quinn family has made a huge and varied contribution to Ballinrobe GAA Club over the years, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have worn the club jersey with distinction. She is sadly missed by her son, T.J., her daughters, Breda and Maura, grandchildren, Sinéad, Michéal, Ruairí, Aíne, James, Kevin, Tom and Sarah and 9 great-grandchildren, her sisters, Rosaleen (Tuam), Bridie and Una (Birmingham), daughter-in-law, Assumpta, sons-in-law Michael Joyce and Michael Keane, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews and all other relatives and many friends. Funeral Mass in St., Patrick’s Church, Kilmaine, on Thursday 28th at 12 o’clock, with burial afterwards in The New Cemetery, Kilmaine. House and funeral private, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The family appreciate that you want to offer condolences and thank you for offering same on the death notice page HERE

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Sympathy to Lyons and Culhane families

Ballinrobe GAA Club extends sympathy to two local families who suffered bereavements over the weekend. Tom Lyons, Templeogue, Dublin, who passed away at the AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin, was a native of Cloonacastle, Ballinrobe, and a former player with Ballinrobe.  He lined out with the club in the 1959 Mayo Senior Football League final against Ballina Stephenites. Tom’s brother, John, played alongside him on many occasions for Ballinrobe, including in the 1959 final, and Tom’s nephews – John’s sons – Damien, Joe and Sean all played for the club. In 1957, Tom won a Flanagan Cup final with Ballinrobe CBS.   A retired member of An Garda Siochána, Tom was predeceased by his wife Eileen (née Ward, formerly of Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon). He was a much loved Dad to Garry, Petrina, Arlene, Tommy, Leah and Alva. He will be very sadly missed by his family, sisters May, Breege and Lena, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, his 16 adoring grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends. More details HERE John Culhane, Rahard, Ballinrobe, a former club treasurer who continues to be deeply involved in our club, is mourning the death of his mother, Kathleen, today (Monday). She passed away in Kings Heath, Birmingham, where John and his siblings grew up.  Mrs Culhane was formerly Carroll of Brackloon, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo. She is predeceased by her husband, Padraig, who died three years ago. Sympathy is extended to John; his wife, Dymphna, a keen club supporter and Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe, a noted school for Gaelic football; and their daughters, Caoimhe, Aoife and Sadhbh.

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The late Eddie Vaughan

  Ballinrobe GAA Club extends deepest sympathy to the Vaughan family, Abbey Street, Ballinrobe, on the death of Eddie Vaughan, Allowdale, Ballymaquirke, Kanturk, Co. Cork. Eddie had been ill for a short period of time. He was father of John Vaughan, a well-known local businessman who has always been supportive of Ballinrobe GAA Club and other sporting and community pursuits in the town. For many years, Vaughan Shoes, an award-winning business owned and operated by the Vaughan family, were generous sponsors of our club senior team. Donal, Eddie’s grandson, played with the club at all levels, winning county minor and U21 titles, and bringing great distinction to the club as a consistent member of the Mayo senior team over the past decade. In recent seasons, Donal has played his club football with Castlebar Mitchels. In accordance with HSE guidelines, Eddie’s funeral will take place privately. He is mourned by his wife Mary; son, John; daughter, Marjorie; grandchildren, Ailish, Donal, Laura, Grace, Katie and Mary; great-grandchild, Rory; brothers, Denis and Dan Joe; daughter-in-law, Tricia; brother-in-law, Tim; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends.   John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.

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The late Liam O’Haire

  Liam O’Haire (42), a native of Rathkelly, Ballinrobe, who passed away in Crusheen, Co. Clare, on Sunday evening, was a former Ballinrobe footballer and a member of a family with a long and distinguished association with the club. Liam had fought illness for some time and news of his passing evoked deep sympathy in the Ballinrobe region. From an early age, Liam joined his father Christy and mother Mary at club and county football training sessions and games and he went on to play at all underage levels for the club, Ballinrobe CBS (primary school) and Ballinrobe Community School (secondary). A serving member of An Garda Siochána, Liam is survived by his wife, Anna; daughter, Alannah; son, Christopher; mother, Mary; sisters, Marie and Chanelle (Conneely); brothers-in-law, Paul, Donnie, Keith, Noel and Johnny; mother-in-law, Mary; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Esther and Caroline; and nephews, Jason and Mark. Christy, who passed away suddenly in 1996, between the drawn and replayed All-Ireland senior football finals involving Mayo and Meath, was a former club player and officer, including serving as its chairman. Additionally, he managed club teams to win a number of county championship titles at under-age and adult levels. He was a selector on a variety of Mayo teams, including the sides that won the 1983 All-Ireland U21 title and reached the 1989 All-Ireland senior final. He was also a divisional and county board official who commanded respect among GAA followers all over the country. The family involvement in Ballinrobe GAA Club continues to the present day, with Liam’s sisters Marie and Chanelle actively involved in the club, and nephews Jason and Mark wearing the club colours at U14 and U12 levels respectively. In 2018, Liam watched his nephews play for Ballinrobe on a number of occasions. Indeed, Liam’s daughter, Alannah, has regularly attended training and games hosted by our Robe Rockets on her visits to Ballinrobe. The club extends its deepest sympathy to Liam’s family at this sad time.   John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.  

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Intermediate team management announced for 2020

Ballinrobe GAA are pleased to announce the appointment of Pete Warren as manager of our Intermediate team, along with Patrick Guckian and Tony Walkin as selectors, for the 2020 season. A native of Tuam, Pete played at all levels for Galway. His first foray into management came as a player-manager with his own club, Tuam Stars, and he led them to the Galway and Connacht Senior Club Championship titles in 1994. When John O’Mahony was appointed Galway manager in late 1997, he chose Pete as a member of his backroom team, and he was a constant presence at O’Mahony’s side for the next six seasons. During this time, Galway won two All-Ireland senior titles (1998 and 2001). In 2011, Pete crossed the border into Irishtown-Ballindine, managing the local Davitts club to Mayo and Connacht Intermediate titles, and a 2012 All-Ireland Intermediate Final appearance in Croke Park, where they lost to Kerry side Milltown-Castlemaine. Pete’s backroom team will include two local men, Patrick Guckian and Tony Walkin. Patrick has been heavily involved in coaching in the club in the past few years, including as a member of the outgoing management team. Tony played at all levels for Mayo and has club management experience in Mayo and Sligo. We wish Pete, Patrick and Tony every success for 2020 #HontheRobe

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Aidan Golden Memorial Cup attracts huge crowd

By Gerry O’Malley, Social Media Officer Pictures: Andy Walsh, club member and coach.  Picture above: Kevin Quinn accepts the Aidan Golden Memorial Cup from Aedemar Golden, wife of the late Aidan Golden, St Stephen’s Day 2019. This was the inaugural playing of the Aidan Golden Memorial Cup. Lots more pictures on our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/BallinrobeGAAFanPage/   St Stephen’s Day 2019 saw the hosting of the inaugural Aidan Golden Memorial Cup match in memory of Aidan Golden, a member of the 2000 and 2002 Mayo Intermediate Championship winning sides.  Aidan sadly passed away earlier this year.  The game was between the members of those great teams and the current crop of Intermediate players. Billed as the must-see Ballinrobe GAA event of the year, there was an attendance of approximately 300 spectators to see this sporting spectacle and observe has time been good to the members of that history-making team. There were three former inter-county managers on the side-lines and playing on the pitch along with inter-county players of all levels past and present playing. The game in itself was hugely entertaining, and, with the match commentary of Liam Horan over the public address system, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.  The game was also broadcast live on Club Radio. It took a while for the veterans’ footballing muscle memory to kick back in with some of them falling to the ground with no opposition anywhere them.  There were also many shouts of the veterans picking the ball off the ground, until the youngsters were reminded that when most of the county championship winning side played football, players were permitted to pick a rolling ball off the ground. The youngsters got off to a rip-roaring start and notched up a lead of 1-3 to no score before the youngsters started to have pity on the veterans. Keith McTigue got the old-timers off the mark with two fantastic long-range points.  By half time the score was 1-6 to 2-3 and the game appeared to be in the melting pot – although, at times, the veterans did have up to 20 players on the pitch. As the second half progressed, time started to catch up with the veterans. However due to superior numbers on the field – a testament to the tactical genius of joint managers Tommy O’Malley and Peter Ford – and some mid-season transfers from the current intermediate team, they managed to keep the game competitive to the end. On the final whistle, and with the youngsters the victors, everyone was in great form after a fun day. The Cup was presented by Aidan’s wife, Aedemar, to Kevin Quinn, the captain of the current Intermediate team.  Aedemar spoke of Aidan’s love of the GAA Club and the friends he made playing football with the club since childhood, and how if he was there he would have loved the day. Aidan’s brother Brian, spoke on behalf of the Golden family, expressing their gratitude to the club, the organisers and to everybody who contributed to the day. After the presentation, members of the Golden family handed out medals to everybody who played the game, about 45 in total (all at the same time, at one point). Afterwards, old friends and teammates got to catch up and relive old times.  Then everybody retired to the Valkenburg for refreshments and to watch the game all over again followed by a video of the 2002 Mayo Intermediate Championship final.   While the occasion was a sad one, in that we were all there to remember a deceased friend and teammate, an enjoyable day was had by all.  

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Brennan Cup (U21) final – now switched to Bekan + it’s on Club Radio

Today (Saturday, December 14) we play Hollymount-Carramore in the final game of the year, the South Mayo U21 Championship final for the Brennan Cup. The game was originally fixed for Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe, but has now been changed to Bekan.  Throw-in 5pm. Come out and support the lads. Last Sunday, we won the Mayo U21 C Championship.  If you can’t get there, you can listen on Club Radio here:  https://www.spreaker.com/user/ballinrobegaa

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