Sadness at passing of former Roscommon footballer Don Connellan

Roscommon GAA has led the tributes to former county football star Don Connellan, who has passed away at the age of just 51 following an illness.

The Galway-based garda was part of the Rossies’ 2001 Connacht SFC winning team, having made his senior debut eight years earlier. He also won three Roscommon SFC titles with his beloved Kilmore in 1998, ’99 and 2001 before going on to manage Moycullen to Galway SFC titles in 2020 and ’22 as well as to a Connacht club SFC success in the latter year.

Connellan also won the Sigerson Cup as a player and manager with UCG (NUIG) in 1992 and 2021 respectively.

“An overwhelming sense of sorrow and sadness has fallen upon our county and on my own club Kilmore, since the news of Don’s passing on Monday,” Roscommon GAA chairman Brian Carroll said in a heartfelt tribute.

“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.

“Don also showed his immense talent, ability & leadership while representing Roscommon at all levels, making 73 appearances for the Roscommon senior team and scoring 3-38. He also had the honour of representing Roscommon on the Connacht Railway Cup team.

“Off the pitch, Don was equally exceptional — a top-class gentleman and a true friend to so many. I had the pleasure of visiting Don at his home in Moycullen last Wednesday, just days before his sudden passing. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had that time with him. It’s a memory I will always hold close.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Moycullen GAA said the deceased “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. Unassuming to the last, the odd shift change at work to accommodate training would not be mentioned, asking Don to say a few words at clubhouse celebrations after a county final win would be met with a glare and then delivering exactly what was asked for, 'a few words', nothing more."