Talented Mayo GAA footballer is mourned
May he rest in peace.
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (MAY 13 EDITION)
The Claremorris community was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Noel McDonnell, a man whose life was marked by quiet dedication to sport, family, and community.
A native of Claremorris, Noel was a talented footballer who proudly wore the green and red of Mayo at both senior and underage levels. He will be especially remembered for his role as left corner-back on the Mayo Under-21 team that triumphed over Kerry in the 1967 All-Ireland Final replay. The first encounter in Croke Park ended in a draw, but Mayo produced a stunning performance in the replay at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, winning by 4-9 to 1-7, with Willie McGee famously scoring all four goals. Noel’s defensive strength was a key element of that memorable victory, etched in the county’s sporting history.
In the early to mid-1970s, he went on to line out with distinction for a strong Ballyhaunis side and is warmly remembered there as well for his contribution to the game and the club.
Sport ran deep in the McDonnell family, who have long been synonymous with Claremorris and Mayo GAA. That tradition of involvement continues, with the family playing an active role in the Claremorris GAA Club to this day. His passing is felt as a great loss by many in the sporting community across the region.
Away from the football field, Noel also gave generously of his time and talents to Claremorris Golf Club, where he served as both Captain and President. His commitment to the club was unwavering, and he supported it in many ways throughout the years. Members of the golf club have expressed their deep sorrow at his passing, noting his leadership, friendship, and enduring legacy.
Claremorris GAA Club and Claremorris Golf Club extend their heartfelt sympathies to Noel’s beloved wife Colette, his daughters Olive and Claire, and to the wider McDonnell family.
Noel, of Mayfield, passed away peacefully in Galway University Hospital after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Helen, brother Michael, sisters Elizabeth and Helen, and his son-in-law Martin Gilligan.
Noel will be sadly missed by his loving wife Colette, daughters Olive (Gilligan) and Claire (Noone), son-in-law Ger Noone, and his treasured grandchildren Anna, Jack, Matthew, Henry and Mollie.
He is also deeply regretted by his brother Joey, sisters Anne (O’Brien), Connie (McDonnell), Mary (Mulryan), Cathy (Slattery) and Helen (Reapy), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and many friends. Noel’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris, on Tuesday evening last. His funeral cortege arrived at St Colman’s Church on Wednesday for Funeral Mass at 2pm, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
