Kilmore GAA ‘shocked and heartbroken’ following passing of ‘true club legend’
The late Don Connellan.
Kilmore GAA said it was “shocked and heartbroken” at the devastating news of the sudden passing of “our great friend and true Kilmore legend”, Don Connellan.
In a touching tribute on social media, the club said: “No words can truly do justice to what Don meant to Kilmore GAA. He represented our club with distinction over many years — as a player, coach, and manager — showing immense pride, honesty, integrity, and leadership both on and off the pitch.
“Don was a key player for us on countless occasions and played a vital role in the senior team that reached three county senior finals in 1998, 1999, and 2001, narrowly missing out on claiming the senior championship title.
“Beyond the club, Don represented Roscommon at all age grades, culminating in the proud achievement of winning a Connacht Senior Championship medal in 2001. He also had the honour of representing Connacht in the Railway Cup and won a Sigerson Cup medal with UCG in 1992.
“Don’s leadership and passion for the game continued in County Galway with Moycullen GAA, where he managed the senior team to two county titles and led them to an All-Ireland semi-final in 2022. He was also part of the management team with NUIG that won the Sigerson Cup in 2022.
“Away from the GAA, Don was an exceptional person - a loyal friend to so many and someone who lived his life with the utmost integrity. His passing leaves a void that we, as friends and a community, will struggle to come to terms with in the days, months, and years ahead.
“But perhaps Don’s greatest quality was the love he had for his family and home. From his childhood in Clooncoose to his life in Moycullen, home and family meant everything to him. Nothing brought him more joy than his regular visits back to Kilmore to see his parents — his late father Donal and his mother Nellie — his brothers Adrian and David, the wider Connellan family, and his many friends in Kilmore. Don loved Kilmore, and Kilmore loved Don.
“For the past two decades, Moycullen became Don’s new home, where he lived with the three people he loved so much - his wife Linda and his sons Eoin and Conor. He cherished life in Moycullen and was warmly embraced by the Clancy family and the wider community.
“As a club and community, we are devastated by Don’s loss. But our grief is nothing compared to the unimaginable pain that Linda, Eoin, Conor, Nellie, Adrian, David, and the extended Clancy and Connellan families are feeling. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you all.
“In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will do everything we can to bring some comfort and light during this dark time. Don, you will be deeply missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know you. Rest easy, Don - you were one of the best,” said the club.
