Sadness following passing of Ballina community and sporting legend
Noel O'Dowd RIP
The death has occurred of Noel O'Dowd, a beloved member of the Ballina community well-known for his accomplishments in local sporting circles.
A native of Longford, Noel moved to Ballina in the 1970s and became a big part of the local community. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in Mayo Hospice Castlebar.
Noel worked for many years at the ACC Bank in Ballina. He played a pivotal role in some of the most successful periods for Ballina Stephenites GAA club as a player, manager and club official.
Ballina Stephenites GAA Club paid fond tribute to Noel on their social media channels.
“Noel served the club with distinction as a player, captain, manager and committee member.
“As a player, Noel was a member of the 1980 North Mayo Junior Championship-winning team. He also won Mayo Masters County titles in 1977 and 1982, captaining the team to the title in 1982.
“Noel went on to make an enormous contribution from the sideline. He was manager of our Senior team when Ballina Stephenites won the Mayo Senior Football Championship in both 1985 and 1987. In 1995, he also managed our U21 team to a County Championship title.
“In 1998, Noel was again at the helm for one of the great periods in the club’s history. Under his management, Ballina Stephenites were crowned Mayo Senior Football Champions and Connacht Senior Club Champions, before going on to reach the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship Final.”
“Away from the playing field, Noel was a long-serving member of the General Committee, giving countless hours of his time and energy to Ballina Stephenites.”
"Noel’s remarkable service and the success he helped bring to Ballina Stephenites leave a lasting legacy. His contribution to our club will always be remembered with enormous gratitude and pride.”
He will be sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughter Deirdre, son Conor, his cherished grandchildren, son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Caroline, his brother Kieran (Lanesborough), sisters Doreen (Australia) and Olive (Australia), in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Reposing at his residence on Friday 4th of September (Eircode F26 PW40) from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.
Funeral will arrive for Requiem Mass to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Saturday morning 5th of September at 11:30am, followed by burial in Killanley Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
