JOHN O’MAHONY, the former Fine Gael TD and Senator and two-time All-Ireland-winning football manager, has died at the age of 71. 

A Mayo native, he managed his home county’s team for the first time between 1987 to 1991 before taking up the role again in 2006 until 2010. 

He led Galway to two All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victories in 1998 and 2001, and guided Leitrim to success in the 1994 Connacht Senior Football Championship.

John O’Mahony was elected as a TD for the Mayo constituency at the 2007 General Election, serving until 2016.

In May of that year, he was nominated to the 25th Seanad by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. He was the Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of our good friend and colleague, John O’Mahony. John was a sporting hero, a champion and a gentleman.”

It is with great sadness that I have heard of the passing of our good friend and colleague, John O’Mahony. A sporting hero. A champion. A gentleman. Thinking of his wife Geraldine, his 5 daughters, his grandchildren & extended family. May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/5v9Bau31dp

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 7, 2024

He described him as a leader who made people believe in their own abilities and who delivered at the highest levels.

“On a personal level, John was an established TD when I first entered the Dáil in 2011 and like many colleagues, his quiet and assured support and word in the ear to ‘keep the faith’ was invaluable,” Harris said.

“The Fine Gael family has lost a great friend and colleague. The people of the West of Ireland have lost an incredible advocate and champion.”

The Taoiseach extended his condolences to his wife Geraldine, their five daughters and grandchildren.

President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to O’Mahony, who he said was “one of the greatest football managers in Connacht history”.

“With Mayo, Leitrim and Galway, he brought his teams to levels of success that they had not experienced for decades while bringing an innovative approach to preparation and analysis that was far ahead of its time.

“He will be remembered with the greatest of affection.”

Higgins said O’Mahony would also be remembered for “his dedicated service” while in politics. The President also offered his condolences to the O’Mahony family.

In a statement shared on social media, Galway GAA said: “We are deeply saddened to share the news that our former All-Ireland winning football manager has passed away.

“John guided Galway to the 1998 and 2001 All-Ireland SFC titles during a wonderful era.”

🕯️John O'Mahony, R.I.P🕯️

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our former All-Ireland winning football manager has passed away 🙏
John guided Galway to the 1998 and 2001 All-Ireland SFC titles during a wonderful era.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Full tribute to follow pic.twitter.com/zYEUemB8tS

— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) July 7, 2024

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said she was very sad to hear about O’Mahony’s passing, describing him as ”a gentleman with a very successful career on and off the pitch”. 

Fine Gael Jerry Buttimer said O’Mahony was “an absolute gentleman, wonderful colleague and a fabulous person”. 

Senator Martin Conway also paid tribute to his “former friend and colleague” and said he was a “true gentleman who will be sadly missed”. 

Fine Gael TD for Mayo Michael Ring said O’Mahony’s GAA legacy is “unmatched as both a player and manager”.

“Those involved in the GAA in Galway, Mayo, and Leitrim will all have fond memories of his contribution to their teams. He is without a doubt one of the GAA’s finest manager, well respected by all,” Ring said. 

“John was one of my running mates in 2007 and 2011, and I have fond memories of campaigning together.

“He was an amiable, decent man and will be a big loss. An outstanding politician, he always ensured Mayo and the west of Ireland was well represented.”