Everyone associated with Mayo GAA were saddened to hear of the passing of former GAA President and Crossmolina Deel Rovers club member Dr. Mickey Loftus yesterday. Dr. Mickey was one of the longest-serving GAA officials in the country, having held every position within his club, county, province and at National level. Dr. Mickey had an immense passion for the GAA and followed his beloved club and county to all four corners of the country.
Mayo GAA chairperson Seamus Tuohy said that Dr. Mickey Loftus was one of life’s true gentlemen. “Dr. Mickey was such a kind and caring person. He just loved the GAA and he loved giving back to his club, community, his county and his country. Everyone associated with Mayo GAA had a respectful word to say about Dr. Mickey and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the GAA community. On behalf of Mayo GAA and all the clubs in the county, I want to send our deepest sympathies to his family,” commented Seamus Tuohy.
Dr. Mickey was the last surviving member of the Mayo team that won the All-Ireland senior football final against Meath in 1951. Before that, he won a Mayo Senior Championship medal in 1947 with Crossmolina GAA. He represented his county at Junior, Minor, and Senior levels, and was captain of the Mayo team that won the 1957 All-Ireland Junior final. As a referee, Dr. Loftus refereed the All-Ireland Senior Football Final in 1965 and 1968, and the Minor final in 1964.
“Off the field, Dr. Mickey was a brilliant administrator. He was Chairperson of the National Referees’ Committee and the Rules Revision Group, he was President of the Connacht Council and of course he was president of the GAA from 1985-1998. He just loved to see progress and he was always willing to put his shoulder to the wheel and roll up his sleeves. Dr. Mickey never looked or asked for praise. He did it because he loved the GAA and he knew his volunteerism would help and benefit others.
Funeral arrangements for Dr Mickey Loftus
Peacefully at the Moy Ridge nursing home, Ballina surrounded by his family.
Predeceased by his parents Martin & Mary, stepmother Mai, brothers Dr. Benny, Marty, Kevin, Dan & sister Ettie.
Dr. Mickey Loftus, (former president of the GAA & Coroner of North Mayo), deeply mourned by his loving wife Edie, children Michael, Orla, Patrick & Dr. Joe, daughters-in-law Dr. Eleanor, Monica & Jordan, son-in-law Donal, his 10 grandchildren Rosanna, Mikey, Patrick, Kevin, Claire, Dr. Katie, Joe, Sam, McKenzie & Ben, brothers Dr. Declan, Finian, Dr. Colm, Shane, Liam & sister Siobhan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, his extended family, neighbours, many friends who knew & loved Dr. Mickey within medical & GAA communities.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam gaelach.
Reposing at Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA Club, St. Tiernan’s Park, Ballina Rd, Crossmolina (Eircode F26 ED39) on Monday evening from 4pm until 7pm.
Funeral will arrive to St. Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina on Tuesday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in Crossmolina Cemetery.
Dr. Mickey’s funeral Mass will be live streamed on www.churchtv.ie/crossmolina
Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Moy Ridge nursing home, patient comfort fund C/o McGowan’s funeral home, Ballina.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam Dilis
