It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our great friend Don Connellan.
Don was involved with our Senior team as a Selector and then a Manager over the course of 7 years.
During his tenure as manager, Don led us to a historic first County Final in 2020, in 2022 we won the County and Connacht Tiles before a narrow loss in the All-Ireland Semi Final.
Under his guidance, he brought the team to the County Final again in 2023 before stepping aside to concentrate on health issues.
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 & Conor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the wider Clancy & Connellan Families.
He loved his football, but his family was his world.
Rest easy Don, you will be missed.
On Galway Talks on Tuesday, Maigh Cuilinn chairperson Sean Houlihan and Galway Bay FM’s Jonathan Higgins joined John Morley and Darren Kelly to pay tribute to Don.
