Shadow cast over Limerick and Kerry communities as passionate GAA man dies suddenly

A MAN who brought his love of Gaelic football from his native to Kerry to Limerick has gone to his God all too soon.

John O’Mahony, aged in his early 50s, of Clarina and formerly of Rathmore, Co. Kerry, passed away suddenly after a short illness on Sunday, February 4.

The sad news has left his family and the GAA community in Limerick and Kerry both shocked and bereft. The late Mr O'Mahony, a brother of five-time Kerry All-Ireland winning footballer Aidan O'Mahony, is mourned by his beloved wife Trish and children Mark, Katie, Molly and JT. 

The son of Kathleen and the late Thade is sadly missed by his loving brothers Noel, Anthony, Kieran and Aidan, sisters Nora and Linda, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, extended family, work colleagues in Syncreon-DP World and a wide circle of friends.

Ballybrown GAA Club juvenile chairperson Richie Quinn said Mr O'Mahony was a great character who just loved sport.

"He was a really nice fellow. John would have been in involved in the juvenile committee and was always there to give a hand out. He just loved sport, every sport. You could talk to him for hours on end about hurling, football or soccer," said Mr Quinn.

Mr O'Mahony was involved in coaching Ballybrown's U-12s gaelic football team this season.

"He was a really keen football man. His girls would have played football over in Mungret and he was adamant that we would concentrate on football as well as hurling and we did.

"We have a smashing little football team down to his influence. They are really lovely footballers and it is thanks to John," said Mr Quinn. 

Ballybrown GAA posted a tribute on their social media channels to say the club and community is sad and shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of Mr O’Mahony.

"We send our love and support to Trish, Mark, Katie, Molly, JT and the extended O’Mahony family and friends, both here and in Kerry.

"John was always know to have a happy greeting for everyone he met on the sideline supporting, or helping coach his beloved children, or in the bar giving and taking a good slag about football and his favourite Kerry.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," read the post.

'A great leader and a great patriot': Limerick's Michael Noonan pays tribute to former Taoiseach John Bruton

Countless tributes have been paid on rip.ie with one sympathiser saying, "John will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him, with his sunny outlook on life and willingness to always help others".

Mr O'Mahony will be laid to rest in Kilkeedy Cemetery on Friday, February 9 following requiem Mass at noon in Ballybrown church. Reposing at his home (V94 P6NC) on Thursday, February 8 from 5pm to 8pm. 

May he rest in peace.