John O’Mahony, All-Ireland winning manager and former Fine Gael TD, dies aged 71

The Taoiseach has paid tribute to former All-Ireland winning football manager and Fine Gael TD John O'Mahony, who has died aged 71.

Simon Harris said Mr O'Mahony was a colleague and friend, a sporting hero, a champion and a gentleman.

"The Fine Gael family has lost a great friend and colleague. The people of the West of Ireland have lost an incredible advocate and champion," Mr Harris said.

Mr O'Mahony managed his native Mayo, Leitrim and Galway during his career, guiding the Tribesmen to All-Ireland success in 1998 and 2001.

He was also St Brigid's GAA manager when they ended a 28-year wait for a Roscommon County Senior Football Championship in 1997.

O'Mahony was also part of Anthony Cunningham's management team when St Brigid's became Connaught champions in 2006.

St Brigid's GAA club said it was very sad to hear of sad passing of its former team manager John O'Mahony.

O'Mahony was also a notable politician, serving as Fine Gael TD for Mayo from 2007 to 2016, and as a senator until 2020.

Mr O'Mahony is survived by his wife and five daughters.