Mayo GAA in mourning over death of East Mayo Board chairman
MAYO GAA is mourning the death of Ciarán Byrne, Ballyroe, Knock.
The deceased was chairman of the East Mayo Board and a former secretary of the organisation. He also served on the county board and was a former referee and coach.
He is survived by his wife Marie, daughters Ursula and Corrina, brothers Padraic, Jack and Brian, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
A tribute has been paid to the deceased on the Eastern Gaels GAA Club.
It stated: “Profound grief has been expressed this morning at the news of Ciarán’s untimely passing. This is simply a huge loss to our club.
“He has been part of the story of Eastern Gaels from the beginning and, even though he rose through the ranks of the association to hold the highest office in East Mayo, he remained proudly and inextricably linked with Eastern Gaels and our fortunes.
“In Ciarán the Gaels had a well placed and helpful ally. He took particular delight in the recent onslaught of successes enjoyed by our underage teams and marvelled at these every time our paths crossed.
“As a manager and motivator his pinnacle of success at club level was in 1989 when he steered a raw but talented and determined Gaels outfit to win the East Mayo Junior A Championship only to narrowly lose the County semi-final to Kilmaine who went on to win the final.
“As a teacher and coach he enjoyed great success also in Colleges Football with Roscommon CBS. He brought gentlemanliness and enthusiasm wherever he went and was universally respected and admired in all circles.
“As a referee in both football and hurling he earned a reputation for fairness and common sense.
“His loss to Connacht and Mayo is huge. More so to his beloved Eastern Gaels. But no words can put measure on the loss this morning to Marie and his daughters to whom he was so devoted. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dilís”
In a statement, Mayo County Board stated: “It is with sadness that we have learnt of the death of East Board chairman Ciarán Byrne. He is a huge loss to his family, his club Eastern Gaels and all in Mayo GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
On behalf of the South Mayo GAA Board, Michael King tendered sympathy to the Byrne family on their loss.
John Walker, on behalf of the North Mayo Board, extended condolences to Mr. Byrne's wife, Marie, family and wide circle of friends on the sad news of Ciarán's passing.
His remains will be reposing at his residence from 3 o'clock until 9 o'clock tomorrow (Friday) with removal on Saturday morning to the Basilica of Our Lady for Requiem Mass at 12 o'clock.
Burial takes place afterwards in the local cemetery.