Mayo GAA mourns passing of 'a wonderful personality'

WARM tributes have been paid to Darragh Sloyan, Cottage Road, Breaffy, Castlebar, and formerly of Park Road, Kiltimagh, whose death has taken place.

Mayo GAA has extended deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased on their loss.

Darragh, aged 35, played for Mayo at a number of levels, including the county's minor teams of 2002 and 2003 and was a member county's Under-21 squad in 2004.

Kiltimagh GAA Club, in a tribute, said everybody at the club is absolutely devastated by the news.

“Darragh was one of the finest footballers to pull on our blue and white jersey and he proudly represented the club at all levels.

“He also wore the green and red at underage level. Deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís,” the tribute added.

Darragh joined the Castlebar Mitchels senior team from his native Kiltimagh in 2009 and was a star player during the club's county senior championship campaign in 2010, playing at midfield in the decider against Ballintubber

A tribute by the county town club stated: “His wonderful character and personality led to many great, long-lasting friendships being formed.

"He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of spending time with him, both on and off the field.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Darragh’s family and friends.”

He is survived by his loving wife Lorraine (Cunningham), children Ben, Luke, Emily and Jude, parents Kieran and Carmel Sloyan (Kiltimagh), sisters Michaela Walsh (Kiltimagh), Naomi Mc Loughlin (Kiltimagh), Corina (Kiltimagh), Melissa (Kiltimagh) and Yvonne (Mullingar), aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, Lorraine's parents Kevin and Mary Cunningham, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom heartfelt sympathy is tendered.

Darragh's Funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 1 o'clock in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, with burial afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery.

Due to the HSE and government guidelines, the funeral at all stages will be private for family only.