Former All-Ireland-winning manager and Fine Gael politician John O’Mahony has died at the age of 71. 

The Mayo native led Galway to two All-Ireland victories in 1998 and 2001, while he managed his home county’s team from 1987 to 1991 and 2006 to 2010. 

He was also the manager of the Leitrim GAA team when it won the 1994 Connacht Senior Football Championship. 

Mr O’Mahony was later elected to Dáil as part of Fine Gael in 2007, a seat he retained until 2016. 

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny nominated Mr O’Mahony to the Seanad, where he was the spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport. 

🕯️John O'Mahony, R.I.P🕯️

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our former All-Ireland winning football manager has passed away 🙏
John guided Galway to the 1998 and 2001 All-Ireland SFC titles during a wonderful era.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Full tribute to follow pic.twitter.com/zYEUemB8tS

— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) July 7, 2024

Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris said the former manager was a “sporting hero, a champion and a gentleman”. 

“He was a leader, he made people believe in their own abilities and he delivered at the highest levels,” he wrote. 

“On the political field, John's determination to deliver was no less fierce than in sport. He was decent, hardworking, effective and respected.” 

Mr Harris said when he first entered the Dáil in 2011, Mr O’Mahony offered “quiet and assured support”. 

“The Fine Gael family has lost a great friend and colleague,” he said. 

He also offered his sympathy to Mr O’Mahony’s wife Geraldine, five daughters and grandchildren. 

John O'Mahony a 'gentleman'

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said Mr O’Mahony was an “outstanding sportsman and politician but above all a thorough gentleman”. 

“In Dáil Éireann, he was always respectful, courteous & diligent,” he said. 

Mayo TD also described the former GAA manager as a “true gentleman”. 

TD Hildegarde Naughton, who ran with Mr O’Mahony in the Galway West-South Mayo constituency in 2016, said he “could only be described as a gentleman”. 

Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer said he served with Mr O’Mahony in both houses of the Oireachtas and was “very sad” to learn of his death. 

“An absolute gentleman, wonderful colleague and a fabulous person,” he wrote. 

Mr O’Mahony won three Connacht Senior titles with Mayo, one with Leitrim and four with Galway.