The rugby community in the province has been saddened this week with the news of the passing of Gerry O’Donnell on Tuesday.
Gerry served as President of Connacht Rugby during the province’s PRO12 winning season of 2015/16.
He was also a former President of Ballina RFC, and Connacht Rugby said that he ‘leaves behind a legacy for his work with Connacht Rugby and Ballina.’
In a tribute piece, Ballina RFC say that as a club they have ‘lost a father figure, a leader and the absolute heartbeat of Ballina RFC.’
Chairman of Ballina RFC Alan Rowe said that Gerry O’Donnell ‘lived and breathed Ballina Rugby and was the lifeblood of the club.
‘He had an unbelievable ability to talk to and connect with people of all ages in all walks of life. He made every single person feel part of the club.’
Gerry is survived by his beloved wife Olive, their cherished children Olwyn, Olga, Roger and Rodney and a family circle where Gerry’s loss will be felt most acutely.
He will repose at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina this evening from 7:00pm until 9:00pm.
Funeral cortege will leave McGowans’ Funeral Home tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 11:00am for Requiem Mass at 11:30am in St Muradech’s Cathedral, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery.
Gerry’s Funeral Mass will be live streamed on www.ballinaparish.org
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Order of Malta Ballina, or Ballina Meal’s on Wheel’s c/o Mc Gowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina.
House strictly private please.