Death of legendary Mayo GAA personality

The death has taken place of Willie Loftus, Riverside Grove, and late of Knockanillaun, Ballina.

A teacher by profession. the deceased was a legendary figure in Mayo GAA circles.

As a young Ballina Stephenite player, Willie Loftus captained the Mayo Under-21 team to All-Ireland glory in October 1967, defeating Kerry in a replayed final.

The team included such names as Tom Fitzgerald, Joe Earley, Des Griffith, Willie Loftus, Eugene Rooney, Jimmy Ryan, Seamus O’Dowd, Jim Smyth, Noel McDonnell, Tom Kean, Christy Loftus, Willie McGee, Tom Cafferkey, John Gibbons and Martin Flatley.

Willie also won a Connaught title in 1967 as a midfielder in the senior Mayo team and was a star for the Ballina Stephenites for many years.

His GAA career was put on hold when he joined the Merchant Navy in 1968 as a fitter/engineer. Following his return and obtaining qualifications, he taught metalwork and woodwork in St Tiernan’s Vocational school in Crossmolina.

He enjoyed a game of poker, a flutter on the horses, and remained loyal and involved in the Stephenites all his life. He was a close advisor to the Stephenites team that reached the All-Ireland Club SFC chamionship final in 1999, losing by a point to Crossmaglen Rangers

Willie is deeply regretted by his wife Anne (néé Reilly), daughter Maria, sons Liam and Diarmuid, grandchildren Paula, Ella, Fiadh and Arty, his sister Sarah Ferrick (Ballina) and brother Gerry (Cardiff), in-laws, partners, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Willie’s wife Anne is formerly of Glenisland, Castlebar. The deceased was a brother-in-law of Sean Reilly and Dermot Reilly (Castlebar), Michael Reilly (Glenisland) and Timmy Reilly (Kildare).

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.

His remains willl be reposing at McGowan's Funeral Home, Ballina, this evening (Wednesday) from 6 p.m. with removal at 8 p.m. to St. Muredach's Cathedral, Ballina.

Mass of the Resurrection takes place on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. with burial afterwards in Leigue Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.