Mayo football club 'heartbroken' over death of former star
Straide & Foxford United F.C. has expressed its heartbreak over the death of one of its former star players, Seamus Gaffney, Radharc na Muaidhe, Foxford, and formerly of Belass, Foxford.
He died peacefully at Galway University Hospital.
The club's tribute stated: "All of us at Straide and Foxford United AFC are heartbroken by Seamus Gaffney's passing.
"Seamus was there from day one - one of our originals.
"Seamus started his journey with Foxford FC and proudly captained them to victory in the Gill Cup in 1985.
"With the amalgamation of Straide FC and Foxford FC in 1989, the birth of Straide and Foxford United AFC, Seamus was there.
"When we won our first major trophy, the Tuohy Cup in 1991, Seamus was there.
"Seamus was a gifted and skilful player.
"He played with cunning and style as he broke many an opposition clubs heart with the goals he popped in for fun against them.
"Seamus always chose to encourage rather than criticise, little wonder his teammates and our club mourn his loss deeply.
"An example of kindness and humility, you never left Seamus company without being the better for meeting him, a story told or a glory day recalled.
"When Seamus called time on playing he started coaching underage at S&F, always a clubman through and through...
"In later years Seamus took another gift he was blessed with and blessed S&F with it, that keen eye for popping goals in was also a keen photographer's eye.
"When we won the Quigley Cup in 2021 Seamus was there to capture the action and the post match reactions... that day Seamus raced down from Milebush to be ahead of the victorious convoy and was waiting for us on Main Street to capture the Quigley Cup returning to Foxford.
"Last November we gathered at Green Road to remember Ulick Bourke, the minute Seamus heard it was happening he offered to take photos and there he was with his camera and trademark good humour and smile capturing all the special moments of Ulick's Day.
"He was truly in his element that day, meeting teammates and friends from past days, and the opposition too!! Stories were told and the laughter abounded.
"That's how we will remember Seamus, his smile, his good humour.
"A clubman of highest integrity and honour, a proud son of Foxford and a proud son of Straide and Foxford United AFC.
"We will remember you always Seamus and all you gave so willing for your teammates and your club."
The club extended heartfelt sympathies to his beloved daughters Dayna and Shauna, their partners Ivan and David, his adored grandsons Callum, Mason and Alfie, his heartbroken parents Sean and Mary, his siblings Mary (Tom), Eileen (John), John (Liz), Brendan, and Philomena (Jonny) his nephews, nieces, Dayna and Shauna’s mother Annette, relatives neighbours and many friends in Mayo soccer.
Claremorris Camera Club, of which Seamus was a member, also joined in paying tribute to the deceased.
Interment took place in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, today after Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Foxford.