Former Galway manager John O’Mahony has died at the age of 71.
O’Mahony won a pair of All-Ireland titles with the Tribesmen, lifting Sam Maguire in 1998 and 2001.
The first of those successes ended the county’s 32-year wait for the game’s biggest prize.
Prior to his feats with Galway, in 1989 O’Mahony had brought his native Mayo to their first All-Ireland final in 38 years and, in 1994, led Leitrim to a first Connacht Championship victory since 1927.
No manager has ever won more than his eight Connacht titles.
O’Mahony also served as a TD and Senator in the Irish Parliament.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, that O’Mahony has left “a stunning legacy” in the counties he managed.
“John was a sporting hero, a champion and a gentleman,” he said.
“On the sporting field, John left a stunning legacy in Mayo, Leitrim and Galway, where they still talk about his All-Ireland wins of ’98 and ‘01. He was a leader, he made people believe in their own abilities and he delivered at the highest levels.
“On the political field, John’s determination to deliver was no less fierce than in sport. He was decent, hardworking, effective and respected.
“To his wife Gerardine, his five daughters and his grandchildren, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
