The funeral took place yesterday of former Claremorris and Mayo footballer Ger Brady.

Aged just 45, Ger passed away last Thursday following a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. He represented his club and county at all levels, lining out for Mayo against New York in the Connacht SFC in 1999. Last summer, friends and former team-mates lined out in a ‘Together for Ger’ charity match in Claremorris.

In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Claremorris GAA said: “It is with heartfelt sadness that Claremorris GAA Club extends condolences to the family and friends of Ger Brady, Grattan Park and Murneen South, who has died at the age of 45. Ger was diagnosed with Motor Neurone less than two years ago and showed remarkable and inspirational qualities on the journey that lay ahead.

“He was a loyal and devoted member of the club and represented Claremorris in all grades up along the way. He did likewise with St Colman’s College for whom he had many starting roles in the red and white jersey.

“Ger’s skills and artistry on the club and college fields did not go unnoticed and he was a proud young lad when chosen as a member of the Mayo minor panel. He later went on to wear the county jersey at U21 and senior grades, making his senior debut against New York 25 years ago.

“When news broke of Ger’s diagnosis, there was total shock and sadness around the region. Within days so many were rallying to the cause and the Together for Ger campaign received overwhelming support from around the country.

“Last June, the Claremorris and Mayo GAA community organised a major exhibition game between Claremorris players and former Mayo GAA players who lent their support with a heart and half. The event was played at the town pitch and received excellent support on the day. We were all glad to see Ger in attendance on what must have been a truly special day for him and his family.

“Numerous other ventures received massive support including the amazing swim from Roonagh Pier to Clare Ireland some months ago. The outpouring of goodwill and support was phenomenal all along the journey.”

The tribute added: “The hearts of all in this community and the wider GAA and soccer communities around Mayo, the province and further afield join with us in expressing our deepest sympathy and support to the Brady, Bell and Kavanagh families at this most poignant of times.

“Ger will be sadly missed by his wife Karen (Bell) and their precious son Dylan, his parents Gerry and Margaret (nee Kavanagh), mother-in-law Ann, sisters Elaine Forde, Tara Nally and Louise Grant, brothers-in-law Richard, Colin, Keith, Tomas and Keith, sisters-in-law Aisling, Aimee and Edel, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.”

Mayo GAA senior football manager Kevin McStay paid a very special tribute to former Mayo minor, U21 and senior player Ger Brady who sadly passed away this week. Kevin managed Ger at U21 level and said after Mayo’s Allianz league victory over Monaghan this afternoon that the… pic.twitter.com/P9asdvHDjo

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) March 24, 2024

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