Mayos in London come out in force to remember a great friend
Noel Sullivan and Finbar Holian with two Mayo football legends Willie Joe Padden and Colm McManamon. Pictures: Lucia Butler
On Saturday, June 29th, the North West London community came together to support a fundraising event for the family of Frank McHale.
Frank sadly passed away suddenly on St Stephen’s Day 2023 in his hometown of Newport in West Mayo.
Frank lived in Hendon from 1993 to 2000, where he played Gaelic football for Parnells (a north London team with close links to Mayo). He returned to his home in Newport in 2000, shortly after the passing of his beloved dad. He married Maria (from Hendon) and they had five children. Frank donated much of his spare time to coaching underage sides for Burrishoole Club.
The Claddagh Ring, Hendon along with Frank’s close family and friends hosted a Golf Day in Mill Hill Golf Club followed by a fundraising event in the Claddagh Ring with live music, auction and raffle with all items donated free.
Finbar Holian, from the Claddagh Ring, stated: "On behalf of the organising committee we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who supported this event in UK and in Ireland especially the Mayo community both here and Ireland. It never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved when a community unites for such a worthy cause."
The event was boosted with guest appearances from two former Mayo footballers Colm McManamon, who played football with Frank, and Willie Joe Padden.
The event organisers have a fundraising page on the Just Giving website that is still open. Just search for 'Frank McHale Family Fundraiser'.
