Mayo communities in mourning for Crossmolina man
The death has occurred of Kieran Cawley, Crossmolina, who was well known and highly regarding in sporting circles, chiefly rugby and GAA.
Paying tribute, Mayo GAA said they were saddened to hear of the passing of the Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA Club member and Mayo GAA referee.
Kieran played football with his local club and joined the Mayo GAA referees panel in 2018. He was a highly regarded match official and was respected by players and club officials across the county.
In August 2021, Kieran was refereeing a GAA match when he started feeling a pain in his side. He was later diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Cholangio Carcinoma.
Mayo GAA Cathaoirleach Seamus Touhy said that everyone associated with the organisation in the county was deeply saddened to hear the news this week.
“We were all devastated when we heard the news this week of Kieran’s passing,” he elaborated. “Kieran was such a kind and caring person, and he will be sorely missed by everyone within the GAA family. He was a very talented GAA referee and gave back so much to his club and his county.
“Mayo GAA sends its sincerest condolences to the Calway family and especially to his wife Marcella and his young son Caolán.”
Kieran worked as a prison officer for the past 13 years in Wheatfield, Midlands and Castlerea prisons.
Mayo GAA were honoured to support a fundraising initiative at the end of January for Kieran at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan. The #care4Kieran fundraiser saw players from Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and a Mayo GAA club selection play in a charity match.
Ballina RFC also paid tribute to the late Mr. Cawley this morning.
“The entire county of Mayo and beyond is in mourning today after news reached us of the passing of Kieran Cawley, who lost his proud and powerful fight for life. His passing has shrouded us all in darkness.
“Kieran was a good man, a family man, a sportsman and a gentleman. He made a lasting impression on all lucky enough to have spent time in his company and memories of his smile and passion will never fade away.
“He played rugby in Heffernan Park in his earlier years and became a part of the BRFC family. Not only was he talented on the pitch, he was a great clubman and friend off it. He was back on the pitch last year, refereeing a girls game, and the players still talk about his guidance and care on that occasion.
“Kieran Cawley was a lovely man and his likes will not pass this way again.
“Ballina RFC president Deirdre Whyte, chairman Alan Rowe, the executive committee and the entire membership of Ballina RFC wish to express deepest condolences to Kieran's wife Marcella, son Caolán, family, friends and all who loved a special man.”
Kieran's remains are reposing at Hiney's Funeral Home, Crossmolina, tomorrow (Thursday) from 5 to 7 p.m. Requiem Mass on Friday at 1 p.m. in the Church of Our Lady, Kilmurry, will precede burial in the adjoining cemetery.