Citiref
20 Apr 2005, 11:11 PM
Referee collapses and dies at match
report by Denise Horan
THERE was widespread shock and sadness in Mayo sporting circles at the weekend, following the tragic and untimely death of well-known ladies football and Bord na nÓg referee, John Mulligan.
Mr Mulligan (46) was scheduled to officiate at the first ever ladies football clash in Ballycroy on Saturday evening last, where the locals were entertaining St Mary’s in the junior league. During the first half, however, Mr Mulligan began to feel unwell and by half-time he was unable to continue. He subsequently collapsed close to the dressing-room area of the pitch, and was tended to by those in attendance at the game. Mulranny-based GP, Dr Jerry Cowley, arrived at the scene some minutes later, as did an ambulance from Belmullet, and efforts continued to revive him, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Ironically, it was Mr Mulligan’s wife, Agnes, who had, in her capacity as Fixtures Secretary with the Mayo Ladies County Board, appointed him to the ill-fated game, which was abandoned after his collapse.
Agnes and John, both natives of Galway, moved to Knockmore some years ago with their three children, and were actively involved in the sporting community locally. Agnes is a former chairperson of the ladies board, and is currently a selector with the county under-12 team, as well as being a key figure in the Knockmore ladies GAA club.
Speaking to The Mayo News on Monday, County Board Chairman, Bernard Cumiskey, expressed his sadness at the tragic event, and paid tribute to the willing nature of the deceased.
"Agnes has been a valued member of the ladies County Board for a number of years, and John was always tremendously supportive of the game too, both as a referee and as an organiser. On behalf of the County Board, I extend my condolences to Agnes and the family, and we will be offering them our support in the future as they come to terms with this tragedy.
"John was a highly-respected referee and a very obliging one. If ever you were stuck for a game, you could call John and you’d know that he’d help you out if he could. That’s the kind of person he was, and he will be missed," he said.
Eddie Conway, PRO of the men’s GAA club in Ballycroy, took over the refereeing duties when Mr Mulligan took ill on Saturday evening. He described the shock of everyone present at the events that unfolded in the second half of the contest.
"It was a terrible thing to happen and shocking for everyone who witnessed it. It was the first ever ladies game in Ballycroy, and there was a general air of excitement about it, but what happened means that it will be remembered now as a very sad occasion," he commented.
When it became apparent that Mr Mulligan was gravely ill, the local priest, Fr Gerry O’Donnell was sent for, and he administered the last rites.
Mr Mulligan is survived by his wife, Agnes, sons, John and Peter; daughter, Helena; grandson, James; sister, Marie; brother, Pat; extended family and a large circle of friends.
He will be laid to rest this morning after 11am Mass in Rathduff church.
As a mark of respect, all ladies football games have been cancelled up to and including this Friday.
report by Denise Horan
THERE was widespread shock and sadness in Mayo sporting circles at the weekend, following the tragic and untimely death of well-known ladies football and Bord na nÓg referee, John Mulligan.
Mr Mulligan (46) was scheduled to officiate at the first ever ladies football clash in Ballycroy on Saturday evening last, where the locals were entertaining St Mary’s in the junior league. During the first half, however, Mr Mulligan began to feel unwell and by half-time he was unable to continue. He subsequently collapsed close to the dressing-room area of the pitch, and was tended to by those in attendance at the game. Mulranny-based GP, Dr Jerry Cowley, arrived at the scene some minutes later, as did an ambulance from Belmullet, and efforts continued to revive him, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Ironically, it was Mr Mulligan’s wife, Agnes, who had, in her capacity as Fixtures Secretary with the Mayo Ladies County Board, appointed him to the ill-fated game, which was abandoned after his collapse.
Agnes and John, both natives of Galway, moved to Knockmore some years ago with their three children, and were actively involved in the sporting community locally. Agnes is a former chairperson of the ladies board, and is currently a selector with the county under-12 team, as well as being a key figure in the Knockmore ladies GAA club.
Speaking to The Mayo News on Monday, County Board Chairman, Bernard Cumiskey, expressed his sadness at the tragic event, and paid tribute to the willing nature of the deceased.
"Agnes has been a valued member of the ladies County Board for a number of years, and John was always tremendously supportive of the game too, both as a referee and as an organiser. On behalf of the County Board, I extend my condolences to Agnes and the family, and we will be offering them our support in the future as they come to terms with this tragedy.
"John was a highly-respected referee and a very obliging one. If ever you were stuck for a game, you could call John and you’d know that he’d help you out if he could. That’s the kind of person he was, and he will be missed," he said.
Eddie Conway, PRO of the men’s GAA club in Ballycroy, took over the refereeing duties when Mr Mulligan took ill on Saturday evening. He described the shock of everyone present at the events that unfolded in the second half of the contest.
"It was a terrible thing to happen and shocking for everyone who witnessed it. It was the first ever ladies game in Ballycroy, and there was a general air of excitement about it, but what happened means that it will be remembered now as a very sad occasion," he commented.
When it became apparent that Mr Mulligan was gravely ill, the local priest, Fr Gerry O’Donnell was sent for, and he administered the last rites.
Mr Mulligan is survived by his wife, Agnes, sons, John and Peter; daughter, Helena; grandson, James; sister, Marie; brother, Pat; extended family and a large circle of friends.
He will be laid to rest this morning after 11am Mass in Rathduff church.
As a mark of respect, all ladies football games have been cancelled up to and including this Friday.