Mayo communities in mourning after death of much-loved sportsman

THE death has occurred of Ollie Roache, Tonbaun, Ballyheane, Ballintubber, and formerly of 26, McHale Road, Castlebar.

A member of one of Castlebar best known and most respected families, news of his passing yesterday evening cast a shadow of profound sorrow over Castlebar, as well as Ballyheane and Balintubber.

The deceased became ill while swimming at The Point, Westport, as part of his training for a forthcoming triathlon and he died shortly afterwards.

A member of Ballintubber Cycling Club, he was a former Castlebar Celtic player and won a number of county and provincial titles with the club at senior and underage level. He was also involved with Castlebar Boxing Club for a number of years.

All weekend events involving Ballintubber Cycling Club have been cancelled as a mark of respect while tomorrow's Mayo Super League between Ballyheane and Ballyglass has been postponed. 

Aged 50, his affable and unselfish nature endeared him to the community at large and his passing creates a massive void in the lives of his family and all those who knew him.

He is survived by his heartbroken wife Geraldine (Heneghan), daughter Kelly, son Gavin, foster children Norman, Malachy and Pauraic, parents Oliver and Eileen, brothers Brian, Adrian and Mark, sisters Bernadette and Orla, father-in-law Sean, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth.

His remains will be reposing at Ballintubber Resource Centre this Monday evening from 4.30 p.m. with removal to his residence at 7.30 p.m.

Removal from his residence to Ballintubber Abbey takes place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning for funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.