Mayo GAA community mourns loss of Gerry Lyons

East Mayo and the county’s GAA community is mourning the loss of a hugely popular and respected figure.

Gerry Lyons, of Knockbrack, Ballyhaunis, passed away following a brief illness.

Gerry was chairman of Ballyhaunis GAA club and represented his beloved club with distinction on the playing field and as a coach. He was hugely instrumental in the club and his community.

“Gerry gave many decades of dedicated service as an outstanding player with the club’s teams of the 70s and 80s and later as a successful coach and capable officer. Gerry was a peerless servant to our club whose selfless volunteerism, kindness and generosity embodied the best traditions of the GAA,” said Ballyhaunis GAA club in a tribute on social media.

Gerry’s son James is currently on the Mayo senior hurling team.

Ballyhaunis GAA club is one of the most diverse in the nation and Mr Lyons was at the heart of fostering that spirit of integration and togetherness.

Gerry is deeply regretted by his loving wife Anne, sons Morgan and James and daughter Michelle, brothers Frank, Liam, Míchéal, John-Joe, Eugene and Noel, sister Mary T; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends and his GAA family.