Mayo GAA clubs pay tribute to retired priest on his passing
Tributes have been paid to the Very Rev. Canon John Fallon, whose death has taken place.
A native of Balla, Canon Fallon retired last year.
In a tribute, Achill GAA Club said he served as a curate on the island from 1970 until 1985, returning some years later to serve as parish priest.
He also served in Clare Island, Louisburgh and Kilmaine.
"While in the Achill parish, Fr. Fallon, as he was known at the time, was hugely involved in the GAA.
"He held the role of secretary of the club from 1976 to 1985 and also served as West Board delegate. In 1995 he became a president of the club.
"Aside from these roles, Fr. Fallon was hugely active in other club and parish activities.
"He would be among the many volunteers in the parish hall, as Achill hosted Scór heats and finals and Féilte Drámaíochta.
"He called the weekly Sunday night bingo sessions and supervised the weekly Friday night youth club disco, also in the parish hall.
"A keen whist player, Fr. Fallon organised and attended many successful whist drives, and who can forget the sight of the loudspeakers on top of his brown Volkswagen Beetle as the school sports rolled around on Corpus Christi each year.
"Someone who could turn his hand to many issues electrical, he often sorted problems of this sort in the schools of which he was a board of management member.
"Children loved to see him arriving in schools for a visit, not least because of the longer than usual lunch break his visit would lead to.
"A tireless champion of the GAA, may Canon Fallon now have eternal rest from his labours.
"I bPárthas na nGrást go raibh Canon Fallon, agus leaba i measc na naomh agus na n-aingeal go raibh aige ansin. Sólás síoraí dá anam uasal."
Louisburgh GAA Club has extended sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the deceased.
"Fr. Fallon was curate in Kilgeever parish from 1985 to 1992.
"He was elected to the position of club secretary in 1985 and was a valued member of the club and community, holding that role for the tenure in the parish. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."