Tributes to retired Mayo school principal, GAA referee and historian
The death of John Cosgrove, Knockglass, Crossmolina, and formerly Carrowmore, Lacken, is deeply mourned.
He was the former principal of Crossmolina Boys National School and was widely known throughout the county as a leading Mayo GAA referee.
Mayo GAA has paid tribute to the deceased who served the sport with distinction for many years as a club, county and inter-county referee.
Before taking up the whistle, he played with his local club Crossmolina Deel Rovers.
John was a two-time All Ireland winner of Scór Trath na gCeist.
He loved Irish and history and had written two books of the history of Crossmolina Deel Rovers and one of Lacken Sarsfields.
His most recent book, Seoda Muigheo Thuaidh, was a collection of seanfhocla as Gaeilge from north Mayo.
The deceased was also a gifted musician.
Many tributes are being paid to him on the condolences pages of the death notices site, RIP.ie.
One stated: "He was a giant influence on generations of young men growing up in Crossmolina.
"He earned the love and respect of the whole community and he will be sadly missed."
"John has made a wonderful contribution in the many fields where his talents took him," another said.
A further tribute described John as "a sportsman, scholar and a gentleman."
He is sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Claudette (McLoughlin), Claire (Loftus), Terri Sue and Sile (Butler), sons Martin and Colin.
John is also survived by his sister Terry Lavin (Lacken), brother Michael (Mikey USA), aunt Maud McHale (Lacken), sons-in-law Henry, John Gerard, Michéal and Michael, daughters-in-law Olive and Eithne, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, his 14 adoring grandchildren Caoimhe, Cian, Maeve, Fionn, John, Tom, Darragh, Aoibheann, Emma, Saoirse, Daniel, Finn, Leah and Ciara, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and friends.
Remains reposing at Hiney's Funeral Home, Crossmolina, on Saturday evening from 3 until 5 p.m.
Requiem Mass on Sunday at 11.30 a.m. in St. Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina, with burial afterwards in Crossmolina Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.