05-08-2025
Galway's Moycullen GAA mourn passing of 'fiercely loyal' managerial legend
Moycullen GAA have paid tribute to the man who led them to their first ever county senior title, after his tragic passing.
Former Roscommon Connacht Championship winner Don Connellan, who guided the Galway club to the 2022 county and provincial titles, passed away yesterday aged just 51.
During a seven year spell as selector and manager Connellan - a Garda - had previously helped them to their first ever senior decider in 2020.
Connellan brought Moycullen - Galway captain Sean Kelly's club - back to the County Final in 2023 before stepping aside due to health issues.
He also helped NUI Galway to a Sigerson Cup title in 2021, alongside former Mayo player Maurice Sheridan.
At club level, Connellan was a key player on the Kilmore teams that reached county Roscommon Senior Finals in 1998 and 2001, while he won a Sigerson Cup medal with University College Galway in 1992 as a player.
In a statement the Moycullen club hailed a man 'who loved his football, but his family was his world.'
They also praised Connellan as a man who shunned the limelight but was 'fiercely loyal' and 'a great competitor.'
The Moycullen statement read: '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.
'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.
'Don wasn't for the limelight, but behind it he was all in - on and off the pitch - an excellent manager and coach who was fiercely loyal to his team, his friends, his club, a great competitor. He simply loved the game.
'Leading a group of ambitious players has its challenges. Don had the skillset to navigate whatever came his way in his own quiet manner.
'Away from the seniors, he would frequently offer support and guidance to the upcoming teams and players.
'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.'
