Tributes paid following death of former Roscommon player and health campaigner

Tributes have been paid following the death of former Roscommon player and prominent health campaigner, John McDermott.

Beloved husband of Mary and adored father of Ken, Andrea, Niamh and Alex, Mr McDermott of Bohergarve, Roscommon Town passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 28th.

A long serving chairperson of the Roscommon Hospital Action Committee (HAC), Mr McDermott ran as a HAC candidate in the 2011 General Election in the Roscommon South Leitrim constituency, and again in a constituency by-election in 2014.

He also developed the EmCall App, a community emergency response system that provides a medical intervention (CPR & Defibrillation) to cardiac arrest victims within a targeted 4/5 minutes.

Mr McDermott was also very well known on the GAA fields and was an accomplished goalkeeper. He was part of the famous Roscommon senior team that dominated Connacht in the late seventies and reached the All-Ireland final in 1980.

His proudest moment came in 1979 when he featured in goals in the National Football League final against Cork as Roscommon won their first national title in 35 years.

Former playing colleagues were among many who paid online tributes following the news of his death.

1980 Roscommon captain Danny Murray said: “Remembering fondly the good times we all shared in the 80s. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.” 

Former county and Roscommon Gaels club team-mate Tom Donnellan said: “Sorry to hear of John's untimely passing. Besides his sporting prowess he dedicated his life to his family and the community. A sad loss for all who knew him.” 

Mr McDermott played with Roscommon Gaels in the 1970s, and was a member of the club's senior team that won the county championship in 1972. In a social media message, the club extended its condolences to the McDermott family on his passing.

He is sadly missed by his loving family, brother Peter and his wife Ann, son-in-law Noel, daughter-in-law Caroline, cherished grandchildren Leah, Grace, Zoe and baby Abby, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Funeral details are as follows: Reposing at Smyth's Funeral Home, Roscommon (F42 NH27) on Sunday afternoon from 3.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. followed by removal to the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Mass of the Resurrection takes place on Monday at 11 a.m.. Burial afterwards in St Coman’s Cemetery.