Mayo club heartbroken at passing of ‘one of the originals’

“A clubman of the highest integrity and honour, who chose to praise rather than criticise.”

That’s how Straide and Foxford United AFC has said their former player and coach Seamus Gaffney will be remembered.

Seamus, from Radharc na Muaidhe, Foxford and formerly of Belass, passed away at the weekend. The captain of Foxford FC when they won the Gill Cup 40 years ago this year, Seamus was integral in the amalgamation with Straide FC which gave birth to Straide and Foxford United in 1989, helping them win their first major trophy two years later, the Tuohy Cup.

“All of us at Straide and Foxford United AFC are heartbroken to hear of Seamus Gaffney’s passing. Seamus was there from day one... one of our originals,” the club said in a statement.

“Seamus was a gifted and skilful player, he played with cunning and style as he broke many an opposition club’s heart with the goals he popped in for fun against them!

“Seamus always chose to encourage rather than criticise; little wonder his teammates and our club mourn his loss deeply,” the club added.

The statement also included one of Seamus Gaffney’s favourite stories for telling – the day S&F United set off to play Lacken in the early 1990s. It was an era pre mobile phones and sat navs and with some of the S&F players struggling to find the pitch, the game kicked off with United having only seven players on the pitch.

“Seamus got the first goal, Dec Smyth the second. At half-time, with seven men, S&F were winning 2-1. Then the reinforcements arrived... they found the pitch!

“Surely victory had to be S&F’s now, the cavalry had arrived. Changes were made... and we lost 5-4!” 

When Seamus called time on his playing career, he started coaching S&F United’s underage teams in S&F – another mark of the ultimate clubman who was always so giving and willing towards his teammates and clubmates. He is remembered in particular for his kindness and humility, and for never leaving anyone but feeling better for having been in his company.

Seamus will be dearly and lovingly missed by his daughters Dayna and Shauna, their partners Ivan and David, his adored grandsons Callum, Mason and Alfie, his heartbroken parents Sean and Mary, his siblings Mary (Tom), Eileen (John), John (Liz),Brendan, and Philomena (Jonny) his nephews, nieces, Dayna and Shauna’s mother Annette, relatives neighbours and many friends in Mayo Soccer.

His funeral Mass is at 11am on Wednesday in St Michael’s Church, Foxford with burial afterwards in Leigue cemetery, Ballina.

May he rest in peace.