Former Roscommon and Strokestown footballer to be laid to rest today
The late Martin 'Fozzy' Fallon.
Former Strokestown and Roscommon footballer Martin ‘Fozzy’ Fallon, whose untimely death is being deeply mourned, will be laid to rest today (Tuesday).
Mr Fallon, who was in his mid-50s and worked as a paramedic, passed away suddenly on Thursday while on duty. He was attached to the Boyle ambulance base.
From Carniska, Strokestown, he was a noted Gaelic footballer and a key figure in Strokestown's historic senior county championship success in 1992, their first since 1933. He was also part of the squad that won the senior championship ten years later.
Mr Fallon also donned the county colours with distinction, representing Roscommon at all grades, and playing league and championship for the seniors during the 1990s.
He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken wife Ann (McNamara); son and daughter; brother, Aidan; sisters, Marie and Trish (Patti); brothers-in-law, Sean, Paschal, John and Mick; sisters-in-law, Helen, Betty and Gillian; nephews and nieces, Katelyn, Holly, David, Liam, Zoe, Megan, Sean, Eve, Cathal, Danny and Laura; cousins, neighbours, work colleagues and a large circle of friends, especially all of his many sporting friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Aidan and Margaret (Peggy).
Following 11 o'clock Funeral Mass this morning, Tuesday, at Strokestown Parish Church, he will be laid to rest in the local cemetery.
Leading the many tributes, which included those from his work colleagues, Strokestown GAA said it was deeply saddened at the sudden and devastating passing of Martin ‘Fozzy’ Fallon.
"Fozzy was a true legend of the black and amber, and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the club and the wider Strokestown community. Everyone at Strokestown GAA extends their deepest sympathies to Ann, Jack, Amy and the extended Fallon family," said the club Roscommon GAA said it was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Fallon who represented the county with distinction at minor, U-21, and senior levels, which included winning a Connacht Senior Championship medal in 1991.
Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll expressed his sympathy, stating: "There are no words that can truly capture what Martin meant to Strokestown GAA Club.
"Fozzy was not just remarkable on the pitch, he was a mighty character off it. He was great company, a pleasure to be around, a gentleman, and a true friend to all.” A minute’s silence will be observed in his memory on Sunday at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park before the Roscommon versus Down game.
Extending its condolences, Roscommon LGFA said it was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Martin, husband of former Roscommon LGFA secretary and current Strokestown LGFA secretary Ann McNamara.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Moylan said he knew Mr Fallon all his life and was totally shocked by his sudden passing. “Martin was a well-known man with an affable personality and a community work ethic that would be the pride of any town or village. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace," said Cllr Moylan.
