Shandonagh and Mullingar shocked at John’s passing

There was widespread shock and sadness at the news of the untimely passing of Shandonagh native, John Maher on March 9 at the youthful age of 41.

John was extremely well known in the Shandonagh area, around Mullingar and throughout Westmeath primarily for his prominent involvement with the Shandonagh GAA Club for so many years. Along with his father, Martin, John was an ever-present at Shandonagh games during the late 1990s and noughties and as a player he was part of the team that came so close to making the breakthrough to the senior grade. Indeed, John scored the all-important goal for Shandonagh when they defeated Maryland to win the Intermediate Cup title in 2003, at a time when the cup competition was the second most significant in the grade. The team were considered leading contenders for the intermediate title at the time, but they were narrowly defeated by Ballymore (0-9 to 1-5) in the championship semi-final.

John would win three cup titles with the Kilpatrick club and made a major impact during his many years involved. That was deeply appreciated by all in the club and they provided a guard of honour at his funeral on Thursday March 15.

Outside of football, John remained a very active young man and took a keen interest in fishing and shooting. Together with his dad Martin they would travel to Scotland to pursue their much-loved hobby. John had a wide circle of friends in the Mullingar town and hinterland and many have expressed their shock and disbelief at his sudden passing.

It was only in 2013 that John moved to Castlerea in Roscommon and he had a connection with the Ballinameen GAA Club, managing their junior footballers for two years.

John attended Sligo IT and went on to be a member of An Garda Síochána. While on a career break, he worked for a peat company under the Bord na Móna umbrella. He lived in Donegal in recent years with his beloved partner Catriona Doherty and had a big connection with the Naomh Bríd GAA Club there, managing their intermediate team only last year.

While in Sligo IT, John showed how versatile a sporting person he was and he went on to win an All-Ireland hurling title with the college. The hurley was one of the gifts at his funeral Mass.

Those whom the gods love die young according to the Roman playwright Plautus. That can certainly be applied in this case and while it is of little comfort to his grieving family, they will know that John achieved so much in his 41 years on this earth.

A dearly loved partner, son and brother; John will be very sadly missed and forever remembered by his heartbroken family; his partner and best friend Catriona (Doherty), his parents Martin and Geraldine; brother Alan and sister Susan, extended family and the Doherty family; his many friends and club mates in Shandonagh GAA Mullingar and in Naomh Bríd GAA Laghey.

Sleep well John.