Heartbroken midlands GAA community to pay final respects to ‘great stalwart' Alan ‘Hardchaw' O'Hara

Irish Independent

28-05-2025

Edgeworthstown's Alan O'Hara, passed away unexpectedly following a short illness in St. James's Hospital, Dublin last Friday.
Tributes to the talented sportsman have continued to flood social media platforms and be paid locally by a community and Mostrim GAA fraternity that are still attempting to comprehend the loss of one of its greatest ambassadors.
In keeping with Alan's bright and affable demeanour, both on and off the field, his family has requested mourners intent on attending his funeral to wear bright colours or, alternatively the club's red and green colours he wore with innate pride throughout his playing career.
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Alan, who was more affectionately dubbed 'Hardchaw' by those who knew him best, played at every level for his local club side, a repute which was reflected by his representation with Longford at each grade up to U21 level.
It was that fervid approach and passion for a game he loved that endeared him to so many, both within the corridors of the mid Longford outfit and to those he lined up against during his decorated playing career.
'I'll always remember him as a fierce competitor on the pitch — someone I had the honour of marking many times,' wrote one former senior county footballer.
'He played with spirit, strength, no shortage of skill, and with such pride for his Mostrim club.'
Moving anecdotes of the Mostrim man's passion for a sport he dedicated much of his adult life to were paid in equal measure by clubs up and down the county.
Killoe Emmett Óg said there was much to admire about a 'true gentleman both on and off the field,' remarks which were echoed by club officials from Colmcille GFC.
'Alan was a dedicated clubman and a well-respected footballer across the county,' said a spokesperson.
'Many within our own club had the honour of playing against him, and his loss will be deeply felt.'
That loss was illustrated on Saturday morning as a large crowd of mourners attended a remembrance mass in the mid Longford town.
'Alan was a true gent of a Gael,' read a statement posted on the club's Facebook page.
'Alan started out at underage level, and it was plain to see his love for his Club Mostrim GAA.
'In recent years, Alan was an integral part of the Mostrim Senior Team, and never more as en route to the County Final in 2021, lining out at number 7, in the half back line.'
Those poignant soundings were ones that were matched by officials from the club's hurling executive.
It stated how a 'dark cloud' had descended on a parish left dumbfounded by the all too premature loss of one of its greatest icons.
On any given day, you would see Alan going to the club gym or going for a run or cycle. (He was) always in tip-top physical condition and fitness was never a problem.
'Life is so cruel,' a statement simply read. 'Alan was a former player with Wolfe Tones and a loyal supporter always.
'Words are small consolation but Alan was a well-respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed.
In a post on RIP.ie, Alan's family spoke of how they had been left 'heartbroken' at his passing.
'Alan will be forever missed and always remembered with love by his family, his beloved parents John and Mary, his loving partner Ariel, sisters Aisling, Alison, Rachel and Rebecca, brothers-in-law Brendan, Paul, Matthew and Peter, his adored nieces Leah, Lucy, Madison, Zoey and Millie, uncles, aunt, gran-uncle, relatives, neighbours and his many dear friends, especially his GAA family,' the post read.
The late Alan O'Hara will lie in repose at St. Mary's Church, Egdeworthstown from 5pm concluding with prayers at 8pm.
His funeral mass, meanwhile, will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at 1pm ahead of burial to Aughafin Cemetery.