A Mayo GAA club has paid a heartfelt tribute to a former player and referee following her unexpected passing.

Éilis Maloney was described as a "prominent and much-loved" member of Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA club. Indeed, she played a key role in reforming the club’s adult ladies team in recent years.

"Éilis started her football career with Ballinrobe and moved on to play for The Neale when ladies football in Ballinrobe went into abeyance for a number of years,” a social media post read.

"In our neighbouring club, too, she was a valued and valuable member, as she was in Coláiste Muire in Tourmakeady, where she played her schools football.

“When the rallying cry went out from Tom Carney in late 2021 / early 2022 for adult players and ex-players from Ballinrobe to reform a junior team in the town, Éilis responded with typical enthusiasm and determination. With underage numbers and interest still only growing, some questioned if it was too soon to start an adult team again, worried that it might wither on the vine within a few months. Not so, Éilis. Her faith was firm and she set about drumming up support among past colleagues, friends and acquaintances.

“When training commenced and the team’s first game drew near, the players were polled to pick their captain. Entirely appropriately, Éilis was overwhelmingly endorsed as captain of the first adult ladies football team in Ballinrobe in over a quarter of a century.

“Éilis’s commitment to the club extended beyond her prowess as a player and a motivator. In 2023, she took up refereeing, becoming the club’s first accredited female referee of adult games, and she looked set to have a bright career in that area of the game also. Indeed, only in recent weeks she responded to the call of her former manager, Tom Carney, once more by refereeing a number of competitive training matches with his Mayo ladies Under-14 charges.

“Everything Éilis did, she did wholeheartedly and with positive intent. Her teammates in Ballinrobe LGFA all fondly recall her as a talented footballer, a loyal colleague and - above all - someone who always had a kind and generous word to say.

“All in Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA will miss her dearly and remember her contribution to our club with fondness and gratitude.

“To her parents, Vincent and Carmel, brother Seán - who also represented the Ballinrobe club with distinction over many years - and sister Claire, and her wider circle of family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences.”

 

Éilis Maloney RIP https://t.co/GXQemoD6M9

— Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA (@ballinrobegaa) December 30, 2024

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