Mayo football club pays tribute to one of its greatest ever players on his passing
The death has occurred of Jonathon (Jonny) Cuffe, Woodview Court, Killala.
A talented footballer who helped etch many newspaper headlines for Killala F.C. with his prolific goalscoring feats during a distinguished playing career, he died peacefully yesterday at Mayo University Hospital.
Jonny will be sadly missed by his loving mother Patsy, his cousins Kieran, Andrew, Daniel, Laura O'Rourke and Gerard Walsh, many friends, good neighbours, and all who knew him.
Sympathy is extended to the Cuffe family on their loss.
Jonathon was predeceased by his grandparents Bridget and Patrick Cuffe, aunt and Uncle Maura and Kieran O' Rourke, and by his cousin Diarmuid.
In a tribute to one of its greatest ever players, Killala FC stated: "One of our stalwarts has sadly passed away .
"Jonny Cuffe burst on to the scene as a shy 10- year-old with the Under-12 team and quickly made a name for himself scoring over 50 goals in his first season.
"He loved and lived for his football and went on to be one of the most prolific goalscorers ever at the club, playing at every age level and on into the men’s team, with his goals helping himself and his teammates win numerous league titles at underage .
"His prowess in front of goal was noticed also by coaches from the Mayo Schoolboys league and he played for his county at all levels, scoring numerous goals in various different Connacht Cup campaigns and this made us all in Killala F.C. and, indeed his mother Patsy, very proud of him .
"His proudest moment representing the club came in 2010 when he received the prize for Killala F.C. winning the FAI Club of the Month at the FAI HQ in Abbotstown from the then president of the FAI, the late David Blood. We had a great night after that one .
"He got into management in 2010 where as joint coach to the men’s team he helped guide them to the Division One Mayo League title and narrowly missing out in the cup final .
"We will always remember his cameo in the last game away to Urlaur United when, with the three points secured and the title in the bag, he donned the yellow jersey for the last time and played out the final 10 minutes of the game .
"Jonny also served as groundsman at Asahi Park and Courthouse Street, keeping both pitches in pristine condition.
"He will be sadly missed as his passion will be for his other two football loves, Celtic F.C. and Manchester United
"All at the club convey deepest condolences to his mother Patsy, family and friends."
His remains will be reposing at Lynn's Funeral Home, Killala, this evening (Friday) from 5:30 p.m. with removal at 7:30 p.m. to St. Patrick's Church, Killala, for prayers.
Funeral Mass takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
A Guard of Honour will be formed by members of Killala F.C. this evening and tomorrow.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.