Funeral hears John O’Mahony’s greatest team was his family
The funeral of John O'Mahony is presently taking place at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Nathy, in Ballaghaderreen
The hundreds of mourners attending the funeral of sporting great John O’Mahony at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Nathy, in Ballaghaderreen, this afternoon, has heard that the greatest team he ever formed was the one he built with his wife Gerardine, his five daughters and 11 grandchildren.
His brother, Fr Dan O’Mahony, who concelebrated the mass with John’s other brother Fr Stephen O’Mahony, brother-in-law Fr Tommy Towey and other priests welcomed Captain Paul O'Donnell, representing the president Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Uachtarán of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burrns to the Funeral Mass.
A number of items were brought to the altar to symbolise the life of John who many have referred to as a sporting hero and a gentleman.
His brother-in-law Fr. Tommy Towey, said that his was a life that involved “raising the bar and an awakening in the West. A life less ordinary.” He stated: “To reflect the tapestry of his life, a number of symbols of his life and are now being brought forward. First of all, a set of jerseys. A selection of jerseys including the Mayo jersey, in which he won the 1971 Minor All Ireland, his Ballaghdereen Jersey and his beloved St. Nathy’s. A geography book representing his time teaching in Saint Nathy’s College. The Oireachtas card from John's first sitting in the 30th Dail in June 2007. A family photograph to represent John's great love of family. And finally, a crucifix blessed by for John by Pope Francis, which he had with him for the last two weeks of his life.” In his homily, his brother Fr. Stephen O’Mahony recalled many childhood memories of John while also stating that his was a “life of giving.” He said that he always had a competitive spirit from ensuring he got the ring in the Halloween brack to the football pitch. He recalled he would “do anything to win and that was an attitude taken in all aspects of his life” from teaching to coaching or in his work as a politician.
He believed “success and failure came down to inches” that his successes in life gave others life. He added he had “always been a team player,” and no matter what plaudits he received he never forgot to acknowledge all the others involved whether that was as underage coaches to local clubs fostering players.
He never changed despite his “fame and celebrity” and took great pleasure when faced with a challenge and bringing potential to fruition.
However, on reflection of the greatest team he ever built Fr Stephen O’Mahony said it was his family that was John’s greatest achievement, and they supported him 100 percent in all his endeavours.
He said that John’s life’s work is now done and his discipleship is now complete.
At the conclusion of the homily those in attendance gave a heartfelt round of applause as the Mass continues before John O’Mahony is brought to his final resting place in Kilcolman Cemetery, Ballaghaderreen.
