GAA community saddened by passing of Mayo football hero

The GAA community in Ballina and across the county are saddened by the passing of Stanley Rowe, Blackwood House, Kilmoremoy, Ballina.

Stanley was a well-known figure in his local community and particularly in sporting circles, as a distinguished player and member of the executive in various roles for Ballina Stephenites and as an inter-county player with Mayo.

He made his debut with the Mayo minors in 1958, who won the Connacht title that year but lost out to Dublin in the All-Ireland final.

Stanley then made his senior football debut with Mayo while still a minor against Meath in 1959 and went on to play a total of 26 games for his county, 24 as a starter, scoring 10-20. He played in the National Football League final in 1961 against Derry.

After his playing days, he played every role at administrative level with Ballina Stephenites from 1974 to 1998. He was club chairman in 1981 and secretary from 1970-1975. He also acted as treasurer and joint treasurer for the Stephenites supporters club and served as the chairman of the North Mayo Board from 1993-1995.

His club paid the following tribute.

“It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of club stalwart Stanley Rowe. He will be greatly missed by all at Ballina Stephenites.” 

Stanley is predeceased by his parents Tommie and Nellie Rowe.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Pat, daughter Kathryn and extended family, neighbours and friends.