Mayo GAA club mourns passing of former manager
Declan O'Dea (RIP).
The passing of Declan O’Dea has evoked a wide sense loss across the Mayo and Offaly communities.
Declan, of Culleens, Killala Road, Ballina, and formerly of Tullamore, Co Offaly, died peacefully at his residence.
The deceased had a long association with Ardnaree Sarsfields GAA Club, where he guided the senior men’s side to the Mayo and Connacht junior football titles in 2015 and an All-Ireland final in early 2016.
The club will form a guard of honour for Declan on Sunday evening, meeting at Emmet Street at 6.45pm.
In a statement, the club said: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our former manager and friend Declan O'Dea.
“Declan took over the role of senior team manager of Ardnaree Sarsfields in 2009 and immediately elevated the club to a completely new level on the pitch, reaching the Junior Final in his first year. He would bring the club to successive Junior Finals in 2011 and 2012 only to be met with more heartache.
"After a brief sabbatical Declan returned in 2015 with renewed determination that led the club and community not only to a coveted county title but a Connacht title too and all the way to an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park in early 2016, a dream barely believable.
“Declan's introduction to our club allowed us to set more progressive targets for the future. As he gave his all to achieving that step up despite the many difficulties and obstacles presented, he gave us all belief. His impact was profound for our community and will last long in the memory.
“No one could match Declan's ability to retain sports knowledge in such incredible detail, testament to his profound love for sport and its many heroes, but at his core Declan was kind, generous with his time and advice, a proud Offaly man and later a proud member of our community.”
Predeceased by his parents, May and his father Seamus and brother Niall, he will be sadly missed by his daughter Ayesha, son Cian, Helena, grandson Caelan, Cian’s partner Joanne, his brothers and their spouses Padraig (Julie), Frank (Deirdre) and his sister Mary (Declan) nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home Ballina (Eircode F26 V274) on Sunday evening, October 11, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to Cooneal Church of the Holy Rosary arriving for 7:45pm.
Declan’s Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, October 12, at 12 noon, with burial on Tuesday in Clonminch Cemetery, Tullamore, arriving for 1:00pm.
Declan’s funeral mass will be live streamed here.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
