Tributes pour in after tragic death

Many heartfelt tributes have been paid to Baylough native John Sherlock of Knockcroghery, after his tragic and untimely passing in a road traffic accident at the weekend. Hundreds of locals and those involved in soccer at both local and national level are expected to pay their last respects at his funeral, which is being held in Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Athlone at 12 noon today (Wednesday), followed by burial in Drum Cemetery. John, who was in his 50's, died when the car he was driving hit a wall on the N61 at Lecarrow at approximately 6am last Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to Roscommon General Hospital. He was the sole occupant of the car. John will be deeply missed by his wife Teresa, daughter Gillian, sons Adrian and James, his brothers and sisters, his extended family and many friends. John, who was extremely well regarded in soccer circles, was vice-chairman of the FAI Junior Council, vice-president of the Connacht FA and secretary of the Roscommon and District Soccer League. However, perhaps his proudest professional achievement was in developing the Connaught Headquarters in Lecarrow - a 15-year dream which will now be his legacy. John had attended the FAI AGM in Wexford on Saturday, where he had seen his friend and local businessman Paddy McCaul elected as FAI President and where he himself had been appointed as vice-chairman of the FAI Junior Council. Mr McCaul said that the entire football community was in shock at the news of John's death. "He was a tremendous worker and was the driving force behind the Roscommon League and the development of their headquarters. He also made a tremendous contribution to the game at provincial and national level and I worked closely with him on the FAI Development Committee. He will be sorely missed and on behalf of everybody in football I extend our sincere sympathies to his family," he said. FAI Chief Executive John Delaney described John as a "gentle giant". "I am personally devastated at the news. John Sherlock was a gentle giant and leaves behind a tremendous legacy from his contribution to football at local, provincial and national level and his untimely death has robbed Irish football of a great man. My thoughts at this time are with his family and I offer them my sincere sympathy on their great loss," he said. John was also a member of the FAI National Council, the FAI Development Committee and the Connacht FA Executive Committee. Michael Rowlands, chairman of the Connacht FA said: "First of all, I offer my condolences to John's family and friends at this difficult time. John was one of the greatest servants to Irish football throughout the years and I had the pleasure of working with him in his role as vice-chairman of the Connacht FA where he was due to take over as chairman next year. He was instrumental in introducing radical reform in the Connacht FA and his greatest achievement in this role was the development of the Connacht FA headquarters in Lecarrow in Roscommon. John was highly regarded by everybody involved in the game in this country and he will be sadly missed, particularly in Connacht." The Chairman of the Roscommon Soccer Referees' Society, Eugene Deering, also expressed his deep sympathy. "To say his death has come as a shock is an understatement. We've all been numbed by this tragic news. The referees' society has lost a great friend and a great football administrator. As referees, John always looked after us exceptionally well in his role as league secretary. He was always willing to accommodate referees at late notice in changing of fixtures and when it came to disciplinary matters, John was never found wanting either," he said. "John was a strong believer in high standards and he was also instrumental in assisting the referees' society in many ways in recent years, including through sponsorship. As a former referee himself, John took extra pride in seeing Roscommon referees take charge of high-profile fixtures outside of the county in recent seasons and was particularly delighted to see so many of them gain League of Ireland experience also," added Mr Deering. Everyone associated with the Roscommon and District League were also shattered to learn of the death of their most popular and efficient secretary. "Heartfelt sympathies go to John's wife Teresa, his daughter Gillian, sons Adrian and James, his brothers and sisters and all the extended family and friends. It's impossible to put in words what his loss means to all the many people who knew him but we now live in a poorer world because of John's passing. May he rest in peace," said a spokesperson. All games scheduled for this coming weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect to their "larger-than-life" secretary. Gardai investigating the accident are appealing for witness to the collision last Sunday or to anyone that may have travelled that stretch of road between approximately 5am and 6am, to contact Roscommon Garda Station on 090 6638300, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.