RIP
Former Roscommon footballer Don Connellan has passed at the age of 51.
As a player he won the 2001 Connacht SFC with the Rossies, defeating Mayo by 1-12 to 1-10 in the final.
He also helped Kilmore to three county finals.
As a manager he had huge success with Galway club Muigh Cuilinn, leading them to their first county title in 2020 and the Connacht title in 2022.
He also led NUI Galway to Sigerson glory in 2021.
In a statement, Roscommon GAA said: “Everyone associated with Roscommon GAA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Roscommon and Kilmore footballer, Don Connellan.
“Don proudly represented Roscommon at Minor, U21, and Senior levels, and was a key member of the team that won the Connacht Senior Championship in 2001.
Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll added: “There are no words that can truly capture what Don meant to Kilmore GAA Club. Don loved Kilmore, and Kilmore loved Don. He was a mighty footballer — a joy to watch on the pitch — and his leadership and class were evident throughout his many years playing for Kilmore.
“On behalf of Roscommon GAA, I extend my deepest sympathy to Don’s wife, Linda; his sons, Eoin and Conor; his mother, Nellie; his brothers, Adrian and David; the extended Clancy and Connellan families; and all of Don’s many friends. No words can truly console you at this terrible time. Don’s absence will be felt deeply in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known him.”
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
NUI also paid tribute: “University of Galway wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Don Connellan RIP who passed away this week. Don contributed enormously to the University community, winning a Sigerson Cup as a player in 1992 and coaching University of Galway to a Sigerson in 2022, as part of Maurice Sheridan’s winning management team.
“We were very lucky to have someone of Don’s experience mentoring our students. They will be forever grateful for his commitment and support. Don played Senior football for Kilmore and the Roscommon County team. He also won a Connacht Senior Football Championship title with Roscommon in 2001. As a manager, he led Moycullen to their first Galway Senior Football Championship in 2020 and repeated the feat in 2022. In the same year, Moycullen were crowned Connacht Provincial Champions and narrowly failed to reach the All-Ireland Final. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Muigh cuilinn wrote: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our great friend Don Connellan.
“While the achievements and titles are widely recognised and remarkable for our club, it is the unseen and unselfish work that we will also remember.
“The nights at training. The countless phone calls and messages – organising players, pitches, matches, physios, etc, but Don went beyond that.
“He had a remarkable ability to manage a group while also looking after the individual.
“He took great satisfaction in seeing a youngster breaking through and was always on hand to support and guide.
“Never a man to give the media a soundbite, he avoided reporters like they were opponents on the field.
“Away from the football, Don was a family man to the core, he liked nothing more than his time with Linda and the boys, and took great enjoyment seeing them play.
“A native of Kilmore in County Roscommon, Don excelled at football for both club and county. Maigh Cuilinn was home for many years with Linda and the boys, Eoin and Conor.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the wider Clancy and Connellan Families.
“He loved his football, but his family was his world. Rest easy Don. You will be missed.”
