Local community mourns loss of GAA stalwart Ollie Daly

The local community is morning the loss of Ballycumber native Ollie Daly who passed away today (Thursday) after suffering ill health in recent years.

The late Offaly man was heavily involved in the GAA and had a strong history of team management, particularly with his native Ballycumber. He also served as a trainer with Doon, Clara, Shamrocks, Kilcormac, St Rynagh's and Ferbane, where he lived.

At county level, he worked with the Offaly senior, under-21 and junior teams, and he served as Offaly GAA chairman.

Ballycumber GAA Club has paid tribute to Ollie, saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our former player, team manager, Club Chairman and friend Ollie Daly. Ollie passed away today after an illness bravely borne. We offer our deepest sympathy to all his family."

The Ballycumber Christmas Lights group added: "A shadow of darkness has been cast on the midlands today with the passing of Ollie Daly, a huge supporter of everything and everyone from the Offaly area and especially Ballycumber. Condolences to all the Daly family and especially our committee members, his son Paul and wife Annika. Ollie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. May Ollie rest in eternal peace."

A GoFundMe page was set up earlier this year to support Ollie Daly who had suffered ill health in recent times leading to a leg amputation and he had been in a wheelchair since then. The fundraiser managed to raise over €51,000.

The Ferbane resident survived a quadruple heart bypass some years ago and diabetes contributed to his leg amputation.

Throughout his life, Ollie served the GAA, as player, as club officer, as team manager, as trainer of club teams far and wide, as mentor, and always as a huge supporter of the Gaelic games he loves. He also served as chairman of his county and his club.

Ollie also played football with Ballycumber, hurled with St Carthage's, played soccer with Ferbane Town, squash with Clara, golf in Moate Golf Club and badminton with Ferbane.

The former Offaly GAA chairman was renowned for his dedication and commitment to his local community and county. He also previously stood as an election candidate in the local elections for Offaly County Council.