A Kilmore native and Roscommon footballer, Don Connellan became one of the most important figures in the history of Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn. As senior manager he was the architect of the club’s breakthrough: a first Galway senior title in 2020, a second in 2022, and the club’s first Connacht senior club title that December.
Imreoir · The Player
Don made his senior championship debut for Roscommon in 1993 against Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon and went on to win a Connacht Senior Football Championship with his county in 2001. He also won a Sigerson Cup with University College Galway.
Bainisteoir · The Manager
Brought in to help by his brother-in-law Paul Clancy, Don took charge of the Maigh Cuilinn seniors and built the side that changed the club’s story. In 2020 they beat Mountbellew-Moylough to win the Frank Fox Cup for the first time. Two years later they retained the title against Salthill-Knocknacarra, then beat Tourlestrane 0-13 to 0-6 at Pearse Stadium to become Connacht club champions. He was also part of the NUI Galway management team that won the 2022 Sigerson Cup.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Don passed away on 4 August 2025, aged 51. That October, Maigh Cuilinn won a third county title in his honour. Accepting the cup, captain David Wynne called him “one of the most important and influential men in the history of Moycullen GAA”.
