Shannonbridge GAA pays tribute to the late Michael Mahon

Shannonbridge GAA has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Michael Mahon, a very popular figure within the club and far beyond. Michael was renowned for his time as a referee in addition to several other roles.

"There are many roles in a GAA club and he is probably the only one to have filled each one of those roles in his lifetime. He leaves us with such wonderful memories of so many good times in our club," said Shannonbridge GAA in a tribute posted online.

"Shannonbridge GAA Club cannot thank him enough for the service he gave us, and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Mahon family at this most difficult time."

The club said that it will bid farewell "with heavy hearts" to Michael, a man known to many by his nickname 'Squart'.

Shannonbridge GAA outlined some aspects of his involvement in the club among other activities in the wider community.

"Born and raised in Clonfanlough to parents Joe and Kathleen, Michael grew up alongside his brothers Eamonn, Joe, Greg, and sisters Marianne and Julie. Michael was a playing member of Shannonbridge GAA from an early age and also held a number of roles within the club. Michael was never shy when it came to fundraising and was always at hand to help out the local communities in getting the job done and was even involved in running in the local Lord Mayor of Shannonbridge campaign some years back. Michael’s unique sidestep threw off many a corner back when he lined out for Shannonbridge," said the club.

"Michael was always active and he lined out for more than just Shannonbridge football teams, with also playing in goals for Ballinahown Soccer Club and picking up the odd title with Clonfanlough Badminton Club."

Describing Michael as "the ultimate joker in the pack", the club said he packed many a young Shannonbridge footballer into a car to get them to training and matches "whilst at the same time making up some fabulous story that would most likely end with that all familiar bout of laughter".

"When Michael’s football career ended, he yet again took to the football fields of Offaly but this time as a referee, and his style of letting it flow, but yet he knew when to blow it up and call a player aside to enter the name in that black book or wave a finger of discontent at the culprit," continued the club tribute.

"Michael was also a regular helper on the Diocesan Lourdes trips and spent many an evening helping out and transporting people less able down to the grottos of Lourdes.

"A family man married to Noeleen and father to Michelle, Trevor and Jason, with whom he enjoyed many a family holiday, outing or even the odd race meeting, along with their spouses and his much adored grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud of.

"Michael will be sadly missed by his loving family, friends and the community of Clonfanlough and Shannonbridge GAA would like to express our deepest sympathy his family and all of the Mahon family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," Shannonbridge GAA added.

Michael's sense of humour was always very evident and this writer can recall having many an enjoyable conversation with him, particularly on football matters.

As a founder of the Athlone-based Mahon Windows, Michael was also a familiar figure in Athlone and surrounding areas. The business is now carried on by Michael's son Trevor.

Michael’s brother Eamonn is also well known and respected across the Midlands, having managed a number of club teams including Moate All Whites and Tang.

Neighbouring club Doon GAA has extended "deepest condolences to Noeleen, Jason, Trevor, Michelle, all the extended Mahon family and to Shannonbridge GAA on the devastating loss of Michael".

In an online post, Doon GAA said Michael "touched the hearts of many, both on and off the field".

Michael Mahon of Clonfanlough, Co. Offaly died on Friday, July 4 surrounded by his loving family in the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. Predeceased by his beloved parents Joe and Kathleen and brother Greg. Michael will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Noeleen and family, Jason, Trevor and Michelle (Kenny), grandchildren, Cody, Reece, Layla, Caitlin, Conor, Freddie, Caoimhe and Callum, brothers Eamonn and Joe, sisters Marianne and Julie, daughters-in-law Karen and Clodagh, son-in-law Ciarán, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Michael will repose at his son Trevor's home in Clonfanlough today (Monday, July 7), from 3pm to 8pm. Removal tomorrow (Tuesday) to St Ciaran's Church, Clonfanlough, where his Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11am, after which he will be laid to rest in Clonmacnois.

The family has thanked all the staff of the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for their care of Michael over the past few weeks. May Michael rest in peace.