Longford Senator pays tribute to 'one of life's gentlemen' the late John O'Mahony
Senator Micheál Carrigy praised the late John O'Mahony for his service to the GAA and politics
Tributes have been paid to the late John O'Mahony by Senator Micheál Carrigy who knew him for 20 years through his involvement in the GAA.
Speaking in the Oirechtas, Senator Carrigy said he wished to be associated with expressions of sympathy for the late Mr O'Mahony, a former Fine Gael senator.
"I did not serve with John politically but I knew him for 20 years through my involvement in the GAA. One of the great days I remember was the all-Ireland final between Galway and Kildare in Croke Park in 1998. I also recall being in the canal end of Croke Park when supporting Leitrim in the all-Ireland semi-final in 1994," he said.
Senator Carrigy is a former Longford County Board Vice-Chair and former Central Council delegate.
"I remember one of the greatest days of Longford GAA, and we have had few, was when we beat Mayo in the qualifiers. I forget which year it was but the match took place in Pearse Park in Longford town. I think it was the last day John spent as the manager of Mayo," Senator Carrigy said.
"I spoke to John O'Mahony a number of times to get political advice. He always gave shrewd, measured advice. I met him during my campaign to become a Senator. He was so politically wise and it was a huge loss to the Fine Gael Party when John did not go forward again because he wanted to spend time at home. He got the opportunity to spend his final years with his family.
"I extend my sympathy to John's family on his untimely death. I thank him for his service in both the sporting and political fields. He was one of life's gentlemen. Nobody would ever have a negative word to say about him," Senator Carrigy said.
The late Mr O'Mahony guided Mayo, Leitrim and Galway to eight Connacht football titles and Galway to two All-Ireland titles.