Two-time All-Ireland winning manager John O'Mahony has passed away aged 71.
John enjoyed a stellar career as Galway manager winning two All Irelands with the tribesmen in 1998 and 2001.
Despite being a native of Mayo, John led their bitter rivals to some of their most successful days in football.
John had been suffering from cancer since his diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the blood, in the summer of 2020. When he wasn't leading Galway to All Ireland glory, John served as a Fine Gael TD for nine years and a senator for a further four years.
Speaking previously about how he reacted to the diagnosis, John said: "It hits you in the face, and your life flashes in front of you, and you think of all kinds of things. Obviously, the two things that would be big in your life – your family and sport. It wasn’t necessarily politics I was thinking about!"
In December 2023, John stepped down as Salthill Knocknacarra's manager after two years in charge.
As news of John's untimely passing spread, friends and fans began to pay tribute to him.
In a statement released from Taoiseach Simon Harris, he said: "It is with great sadness that I today learned of the death of our colleague and friend John O’Mahony.John was a sporting hero, a champion and a gentleman.
"On the sporting field, John left a stunning legacy in Mayo, Leitrim and Galway, where they still talk about his All-Ireland wins of ‘98 and ‘01. He was a leader, he made people believe in their own abilities and he delivered at the highest levels.
"On the political field, John’s determination to deliver was no less fierce than in sport. He was decent, hardworking, effective and respected.On a personal level, John was an established TD when I first entered the Dail in 2011 and like many colleagues, his quiet and assured support and word in the ear to ‘keep the faith’ was invaluable.
"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.To his wife Gerardine, his five daughters and his grandchildren, I’m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace."
Galway GAA paid tribute to their former manager, saying: "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 for Galway football. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Another tribute read: "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of John O Mahony. As a Galway GAA fan, Johno gave us the most incredible days of our sporting lives. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Johno."
In another tribute, a fan described John as a "true gentleman", writing: "A true gentleman always had a friendly smile and acknowledged everyone sad to hear this news."
John also served as Leitrim manager, guiding them to Connacht glory in 1994 and had two stints with Mayo, winning Connacht titles in 1988 and '89 and returned to the job between 2006 and 2010, winning the 2009 Connacht title.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
