Taoiseach Simon Harris is attending the funeral of legendary GAA manager and former politician, John O'Mahony, in Ballaghaderreen today. He died at the age of 71 last Saturday.
John O'Mahony was born in Kilmovee, Co Mayo, which is around five miles outside Ballaghaderreen.
But he had lived in Ballaghaderreen itself for several decades and was a long-time teacher in St Nathy's College in the town. But he had an impact much further afield during his life.
He managed Leitrim's footballers to their first Connacht title in 67 years in 1994 and led Galway to two All-Irelands, in 1998 and 2001. In total he picked up eight senior Connacht titles during his managerial career - four with Galway, three with Mayo and of course one with Leitrim.
In Roscommon, he helped guide St Brigid’s senior team to a first senior championship title since 1969. After retiring from teaching, he embarked on a political career, serving as a Fine Gael TD for Mayo between 2007 and 2016, and as a senator between 2016 and 2020.
He was diagnosed with cancer twice in recent years, and passed away in a Galway hospital last Saturday. His funeral Mass is taking place in St Nathy's Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen at 12 noon today, with burial afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery nearby.
It will be celebrated by John's brother, Fr Dan O'Mahony, while the homily will be given by another sibling, Fr Stephen O'Mahony. Taoiseach Simon Harris is among those attending, and well known figures from throughout the GAA world will also attend.
