Liam O’Haire (42), a native of Rathkelly, Ballinrobe, who passed away in Crusheen, Co. Clare, on Sunday evening, was a former Ballinrobe footballer and a member of a family with a long and distinguished association with the club.
Liam had fought illness for some time and news of his passing evoked deep sympathy in the Ballinrobe region.
From an early age, Liam joined his father Christy and mother Mary at club and county football training sessions and games and he went on to play at all underage levels for the club, Ballinrobe CBS (primary school) and Ballinrobe Community School (secondary).
A serving member of An Garda Siochána, Liam is survived by his wife, Anna; daughter, Alannah; son, Christopher; mother, Mary; sisters, Marie and Chanelle (Conneely); brothers-in-law, Paul, Donnie, Keith, Noel and Johnny; mother-in-law, Mary; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Esther and Caroline; and nephews, Jason and Mark.
Christy, who passed away suddenly in 1996, between the drawn and replayed All-Ireland senior football finals involving Mayo and Meath, was a former club player and officer, including serving as its chairman. Additionally, he managed club teams to win a number of county championship titles at under-age and adult levels.
He was a selector on a variety of Mayo teams, including the sides that won the 1983 All-Ireland U21 title and reached the 1989 All-Ireland senior final. He was also a divisional and county board official who commanded respect among GAA followers all over the country.
The family involvement in Ballinrobe GAA Club continues to the present day, with Liam’s sisters Marie and Chanelle actively involved in the club, and nephews Jason and Mark wearing the club colours at U14 and U12 levels respectively. In 2018, Liam watched his nephews play for Ballinrobe on a number of occasions. Indeed, Liam’s daughter, Alannah, has regularly attended training and games hosted by our Robe Rockets on her visits to Ballinrobe.
The club extends its deepest sympathy to Liam’s family at this sad time.
- John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.