Garda Sean McMamamon

SEAN McMANAMON

Birthplace: Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Reg. No.: 14496G

Rank: Garda

Date of Death: 23 December 2016

Sean was born and reared in Claremorris. He joined An Garda Síochána in 1960 and was first assigned to Portlaoise. He also served in Ballybrittas in Laois and during his time there he won a Senior Championship medal with O’Dempsey’s Football Club.

He was transferred to Castlerea in Co. Roscommon in 1966, where he took up duty as a District Clerk. He soon got involved in GAA affairs in Castlerea and won two Senior County Football Championships with the local club.

He became an accomplished referee after his playing days. He was well able to deal with any criticism from players and one of his better ‘put downs’ was during a match between Kerry and Kildare, when he awarded a free to a Kerry defender.

The player complained bitterly to Sean, although he had given him a free. Sean retorted “what do you expect me to do, sure I can’t give you two frees”. This was long before the yellow or black cards!

He was transferred to Oughterard in 1978 and to Galway City in 1980 where he served in various clerical roles, finishing up in the Divisional Office.

Sean took up golf in 1990 and before long he was able to play off a handicap of 10. His first Club was Tuam and he later joined Oughterard. He was a member of the Sambucca Golfing Society, with whom he enjoyed many trips to Portugal.

He was a loyal Mayo supporter and was involved in many fundraising events for Muintir Mhaigh Eo and the Green and Red. He longed for the day that Mayo would win ‘Sam’ again and bring the cup back to the county for the first time since 1951. He was a Senior Steward at Pearse Stadium and was involved with Salthill GAA for many years.

Sean was a dedicated family man to his wife Kitty, whom he married in 1963, his children Ger, Mairead, Micheál and Aine and grand-children Jemma, Siobhan and Ronan. He bore his illness with great courage and was supported throughout by his wife, family, close friends, medical personnel and priests. Kitty and family wish to thank the large number of persons who came to offer their sympathies at their home, the removal and funeral and a special word of thanks to the Gardaí who assisted with traffic arrangements. They also appreciated the Guards of Honour provided by Muintir Mhaigh Eo, retired Gardaí and Salthill GAA.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam Dilis.