2022

  It is with deep regret that Ballinrobe GAA Club acknowledges the passing of Mrs Mary O’Haire (nee Canny), Mountain View, Rathkelly, Ballinrobe, who was a staunch club member and supporter for many years. A native of Headford, Co. Galway, Mary, a nurse by profession, became actively involved in our club when she married local man Christy O’Haire, a well-known and highly regarded figure in local, regional and national GAA circles.  Together, Mary and Christy contributed to the club in numerous ways. Christy served the club as a player, manager and chairman, and also held the position of chairman of the South Mayo GAA Board. At county level, he was a selector on a variety of Mayo teams at all levels, including on the U21 team that won the 1983 All-Ireland final and the senior side that reached the 1989 All-Ireland football final, Mayo’s first appearance in the decider since 1951. Mary was an ever-present at club games and helped out quietly and discreetly to ensure events ran smoothly. The pair were inseparable until Christy’s sudden passing in 1996 between the drawn and replayed All-Ireland senior football finals involving Mayo and Meath – ironically, Mayo’s first final since 1989. Many’s the club and county player and mentor who appreciated Mary’s words of encouragement and commendation before or after a game. She always wanted the best for Ballinrobe and Mayo, though she retained a strong affection for her native county and enjoyed the banter whenever those great inter-county rivals were set to tackle each other. Ballinrobe was prominent in Scór, the GAA’s cultural competition, in the 1970s and 1980s, and Mary played her part as an administrator in the background. She made an indelible impression on all who met her. The family continues to contribute to Ballinrobe GAA Club, with Mary’s daughters Marie and Chanelle actively involved in the club, and her grand-children Jason and Mark wearing our colours at underage level. That involvement is valued by everyone within the club, given the family tradition. Mary’s son Liam (42), who lived in Crusheen, Co. Clare, and who played with the club for many years, passed away after an illness in May, 2020. Having lost her beloved husband Christy so young, Liam’s passing was another hard cross for Mary to bear. A minute’s silence in Mary’s memory will take place before our Mayo LGFA Junior B Ladies quarter-final meeting with Belmullet; our Mayo IFC clash with Kiltane; and our Mayo U16 D Ladies football final against Hollymount. All of these games take place on Sunday, September 25.  Mary was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Mary; husband Christy; son Liam and brother Charles. She is deeply regretted by her loving daughters Marie and Chanelle; daughter-in-law Anna; son-in-law Paul; grandchildren Jason, Mark, Alannah and Christopher; sisters Sr. Ena and Sr. Chanel; brothers Fr. Stephen (USA), Oliver and Frank; sisters-in-law Stella, Olive and Josie; brother-in-law Michael John; nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends. Solas Mhic Dé ar a n-anam. Funeral details are available HERE John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club    

A memorial Mass for popular Ballinrobe native Kieran Cawley took place in Partry Church on Saturday last. The Mass coincided with the second anniversary of Kieran’s death and was followed by interment of his remains in Ballyovey Graveyard. Kieran died in Philadelphia during Covid-19, and it was only now that his family and friends in Ireland could come together for a fitting send-off. Members of Ballinrobe GAA and Basketball Clubs, led by Kieran’s former playing colleagues from the 1970s and ‘802, formed a guard of honour at the removal of the remains. Tommie O’Malley, a close friend of Kieran’s and a central figure in both clubs for many years, delivered a well-observed eulogy (see below). Kieran’s daughter Alison travelled from Philadelphia and regaled the large attendance with fond memories of her father. She was formally presented with a Ballinrobe GAA flag and jersey and a Ballinrobe basketball singlet. Kieran’s brother Gerry also recalled Kieran’s life and thanked those who had made the memorial Mass possible. Here is the eulogy delivered by Tommie O’Malley: It is a great privilege and honour to say a few words about the late Kieran Cawley on behalf of the Ballinrobe Football Club.  For a family with such deep roots in this particular area, it is most appropriate that Kieran’s ashes are being laid to rest in the breathtaking setting of Ballyovey overlooking beautiful Lough Carra.  Kieran was a noted Football and Basketball player in his youth, and played an integral role in Ballinrobe’s senior football campaigns from 1979 to 1984.   One abiding memory I have of Kieran on the football pitch, was at McHale Park in a match we lost in the County Semi-Final against Knockmore in 1980.  Kieran was exceptional that day as full-forward and at mid-field. I was player-manager the same day, and Kieran often jested with me afterwards that he was one of the few players to ever play in two positions at the same time.  Other than Kieran, there is only one other member of that team gone to his eternal reward, and that is the late Billy Diskin.  Both Kieran and Billy were the backbone of that team.  That team won every competition we entered with the exception of the senior county championship; a tournament we were most unlucky not to win particularly the day Kieran played his heart out at full forward and midfield.  That panel trained hard and played hard; and each made a massive commitment to the Cause of bringing honour and glory to Ballinrobe.  We socialised together and became a remarkably tight unit of comrades.  Kieran never forgot the spirit of that team and could often later recall Pádraic Costello singing the ‘Half Crown’; Michael Flannery singing ‘Joe Dolan’ and Luke O’Malley’s rendition of ‘The Wedding Song’ backed up by the rousing chorus of the Ballinrobe Football panel –one voice sweeter and more fervent than the next.  I was a decade older than Kieran. I had only known him as ‘The Bullet’ until he came to stay at my flat in Castlebar for one night.  He stayed for a full year. In that year, we became great friends, and found out that we had one thing in common, a great love for all things Ballinrobe, especially everything to do with Ballinrobe Football and Basketball.  During that year I also came to learn of Kieran’s honesty, integrity and cheerful disposition; aspects of Kieran’s character I’m sure his wife Gabby and daughter Alison, and the extended Cawley family are very familiar with.  By 1984, Kieran had immigrated to the States and his absence was sorely felt in Ballinrobe.  In 2019 after decades’ away from the area, it was Ballinrobe’s privilege to recognise Kieran’s contribution to the town by awarding him the Hall of Fame Award.  All of his team mates were present that night to celebrate the occasion with Kieran and the Cawley family.  When Kieran got that award it was like old times again.  Bonds forged in the late 1970s amongst that panel remained as tight that night as they remain to this day, the day we celebrate Kieran’s life.  The last conversation I had with Kieran was at Enniscrone looking out at the Atlantic shortly after he received his Hall of Fame award.  The gist of our conversation that night was about the tough times that lay ahead for Kieran.  Even though he was ill, Kieran swore he’d make it back home again within the year.   Covid 19 put paid to that plan.  That evening, Kieran told me of how he had truly landed on his feet when he met the love of his life, Gabby; and how proud he was of his daughter, Alison.  On behalf of myself and the Ballinrobe Football Club, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Gabby, Alison and the all of the extended Cawley family.  Kieran’s remains will shortly be laid to rest with his beloved parents at Ballyovey. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.   Rest in Peace my good friend Kieran.  Tommie O’Malley