Sadness as key figure in Roscommon handball passes away
The late Michael Naughton has been remembered as a kind hearted man who devoted his life to the betterment of Roscommon handball.
There is widespread sadness at the passing of Michael Naughton, Correal, Athleague, and formerly of Greenfield Road and Abbey Street. Roscommon Town.
Michael (in his 91st year), passed away peacefully, in the excellent care and kindness of Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill.
Mr Naughton, who was the Roscommon handball PRO for over 30 years, has been described as “Roscommon's very own Mr Handball.” He won numerous All-Ireland titles and continued to play the game he loved until his late seventies.
He was also a well respected handball coach, one of the founding members of Roscommon LGFA and was part of the first ever Roscommon County Board.
He served as secretary and treasurer alongside being a delegate to Central Council and held many officer positions throughout the early years of Roscommon LGFA. He also managed Roscommon LGFA to the All-Ireland Senior LGFA title in 1978.
His local handball club, St. Coman’s paid tribute to a man who sought nothing but the best for Roscommon Handball.
“Unfortunately, the sporting world and indeed the wider community were very saddened to learn of the passing of Roscommon's very own Mr Handball on Tuesday morning (27 January 2026).
"Michael's contribution to handball will probably never be replicated. He played right up to his late 70s, winning a number of overage All-Ireland titles. He was the handball PRO in Roscommon for over 30 years, highlighting the achievements of all, from the youngest children to top seniors, in his weekly reports in the local newspapers.
“Most importantly, for decades Michael coached generations of children how to play and love the perfect game. His coaching success is almost impossible to document, but suffice to say there are numerous Roscommon born world and All-Ireland champions who owe their success solely to this great man.
“And it wasn't just handball that Michael excelled in, as he was the manager of the Roscommon senior ladies football team that won Roscommon's only ever All-Ireland in the grade in 1978.
“And he achieved all this without ever seeming to raise his voice. A very mild-mannered and truly gentle person, his quiet words of encouragement always seemed to bring the best out of his players. A devoted family man and respectful to all, Michael will be missed and very fondly remembered by all who knew him.
“Those involved in Roscommon handball would like to offer their deepest sympathies to Anne, Neasa, Ultan, Oisin and Aifric.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. RIP.”
GAA Handball also extended their condolences on Mr Naughton’s passing. “Together with his wife Ann, they were instrumental in the development of handball in the club, with a special focus on ladies youth handball. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.”
Michael Naughton is survived by his devoted wife, Anne and his children, Neasa, Oisin, Ultan and Aifric. He is very sadly missed by his loving family; son-in-law, Larry; daughters-in-law, Anne-Marie and Amy; cherished grandchildren, Ronan, Arwen, Ciara and Cillian, nieces, nephew, extended family, neighbours, and friends.
He will be reposing at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon (F42 NH27) on Thursday, January 29th, from 6.30 p.m. until 8 p.m..
Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon (F42 XT96) on Friday, January 30th at 1 p.m.. Burial afterwards in St Coman’s Cemetery.
The funeral Mass will be live streamed and can be viewed at 1 p.m. on Friday by clicking here.
