'The man who made the greatest single all-round contribution that Galway GAA has ever known' The late Jack Mahon was described as the man who made the "greatest single all-round contribution that Galway GAA has ever known" during a warm tribute by the County Board Chairman, Frankie Burke, at the end of his Requiem Mass. "As a clubman, a player on the Galway panel, a county administrator, a prolific GAA writer, and a school games promoter, he has led and achieved an awful lot," he said. "We have been privileged to have such a man as Jack Mahon as our County Board President." Mr. Burke said that Mr. Mahon's 19th and final publication, which was written by a man in the throes of ill health, epitomised the former footballer's great fighting spirit and will to succeed. 'Memories' was launched jut two weeks before his death. After his distinguished playing career, Mr. Mahon went on to become a highly regarded GAA administrator, historian, and author who, he said, laid the foundations for the return of the Galway footballers as a genuine force in the late 1990s. "Jack Mahon knew no fear," said Mr. Burke. "He was a very proactive, modernising force. He was also very proud to be part of a team which contained some of the greatest Gaelic footballers we have ever known. "In his seven years as Football Board Chairman, he worked hard to raise standards, improve competitions, reform structures. He contributed significantly to the successes which followed in subsequent years." He described his contribution to match programmes in Galway as "exceptional" while his house in Salthill was a 'treasure trove' of GAA records and memorabilia. "He received the McNamee Award, the GAA's highest honour for literary communication, and subsequently he was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame, a very special honour," he added. Mr. Burke described the late Mr. Mahon as an outstanding teacher who subsequently became a very successful Principal at Moneenagheisha Community College, where he pursued high standards, and showed great leadership skills, loyalty and ability. He had cemented his love for Gaelic Games during his playing days with his native Dunmore McHales, but also played a key role in the foundation of the fledgling Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club in the city in the late 1960s. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 28 October 2005 Tweet

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