'Life is so cruel' - GAA community in mourning following death of 'true Gael'

Irish Daily Mirror

27-05-2025

'A dark cloud hangs' over the GAA community in Co Longford following the unexpected death of an 'accomplished footballer and a great club stalwart'.
Alan O'Hara, 39, from Edgeworthstown, passed away on Sunday "unexpectedly following a short illness in St. James's Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his heartbroken family," according to a death notice shared on RIP.ie.
Alan was a talented sportsman who represented Mostrim GAA with great distinction throughout the years, having played at every level for the club growing up, while he also represented Longford at each grade up to U21 level.
Mostrim GAA paid tribute to the club stalwart in statement shared on social media, with the club hailing Alan as 'a true gent of a Gael'.
"It is with great sadness within our Mostrim GAA Club and the Edgeworthstown Community that we have learned of the untimely passing of Alan O'Hara," they said.
"Alan was a current playing member of the Mostrim GAA Club and was heavily involved in helping with the Minors and Seniors of the club up until a few weeks ago. Alan comes from a proud Mostrim GAA Family, with the O'Hara family steeped in Mostrim GAA. Of course, Alan was more commonly referred to his nickname 'Hardchaw' or Chaw for short, but in reality, Alan was a true gent of a Gael.
"Alan started out at underage level, and it was plain to see his love for his Club Mostrim GAA. On any given day, you would see Alan going to the club gym or going for a run or cycle. Always in tip-top physical condition. Fitness was never a problem.
"Alan played at every level for the Mostrim Club growing up and represented Longford at each grade up to U21 level. 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.
"To Alan's Mother Mary, Father John, sisters, Rebecca, Rachel, Alison, Aisling, Alan's partner Ariel, the extended O'Hara family and his wide circle of friends, we extend our deepest sympathies.
"Alan will be missed in Mostrim GAA Club, Edgeworthstown Community and beyond. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
"As Alan soldiered with many of our current players on the Senior Team, Bereavement Counselling can be made available on request."
Longford GAA also paid tribute to Alan in a message shared online as they offered their condolences to his grieving family.
"Longford GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Mostrim Senior Player Alan O'Hara," a spokesperson for the county board said.
"Alan was a true Gael who was an integral part of his Club and Community, wearing the Red & Green with pride and also representing Longford at all underage levels up to U21.
"To Alan's parents, Mary and John, sisters, Rebecca, Rachel, Alison and Aisling, his partner Ariel, the extended O'Hara family, the Mostrim GAA family and his wide circle of friends, we offer our deepest sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Alan was also a talented hurler who lined out for Wolfe Tones Hurling Club, with the club saying 'a dark cloud hangs over the parish' following his untimely death.
"Alan was a former player with Wolfe Tones and a Loyal supporter always. Life is so cruel," Wolfe Tones said in a statement shared on social media.
"To his parents Mary & John, sisters Rebecca, Aisling, Rachel and Allison, his partner Ariel and his many relatives and friends we offer our deepest condolences at this devastating time.
"Words are small consolation but Alan was a well respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm."
Alan was a former student at Cnoc Mhuire Secondary School in Granard, with staff remembering him "as a very talented sportsman and hugely likeable young man".
"We were shocked to wake up yesterday to the news of the passing of past pupil Alan O'Hara," the school said in a statement.
"Alan was a pupil in the school in the early to mid 2000s and he is fondly remembered as a very talented sportsman and hugely likeable young man. We've enjoyed watching Alan play for his beloved Mostrim down through the years and it is clear the huge impact he had on his community in Edgeworthstown, both on and off the pitch.
"All in Cnoc Mhuire extend our deepest sympathies to Alan's family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Alan."
Alan's death has sent shockwaves through the local community and brought the 'town to its knees', with friends, neighbours and acquaintances paying heartbreaking tribute to the talented footballer.
"Sincere condolences to Alan's parents, sisters, partner and extended family on his tragic loss. May the great memories you have with him, give you all the strength to continue on. Alan was a gentleman and was always a pleasure to meet at matches down through the years. RIP," one mourner said.
"Our deepest condolences to the O'Hara family and Alan's partner Ariel. The sad loss of Alan has brought our little town to its knees. Such a gentle soul with a kind word for everyone, he will be greatly missed," another added.
A close pal said: "Such a great loss, one so young and talented. He was such a great hearted person, helped so many over the years. He shall never been forgotten. Go ndeana Dia trócaire air agus geal na gealaí 'ins bFlaitheas Leis go deo deo."
While a fourth person said: "Deepest sympathies to John, Mary, Ariel and all the O'Hara family and to all in the Mostrim GAA community on the heartbreaking loss of Alan at such a young age. He was an accomplished footballer and a great stalwart of the Mostrim club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Alan will repose in St. Mary's Church in Edgeworthstown from 5pm on Wednesday, concluding with prayers at 8pm.
His funeral mass will take place at St. Mary's Church at 1pm on Thursday. Following Mass, Alan will be laid to rest in Aughafin Cemetery.
Alan's family has requested that those attending the funeral wear bright colours or club colours.