TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a much-loved dad of four following his “unexpected” death this week.
Richie O’Mahoney, a well-known teacher and basketball coach from Tullamore, Co Offaly, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 19.
Formerly from Roscommon and Tralee, Co Kerry, Richie was well-loved by his community as a teacher at Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada and Tullamore Basketball Club.
His death notice reads: “Formerly Riasc, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Tralee. Unexpectedly at home.
“Teacher at Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, Tullamore, and Coach of Tullamore Basketball Club. Pre-deceased by his parents Richard and Peg.
“Richie will be sadly missed by his loving wife Breda, his beloved children Rebecca, Aoibheann, Cian, and Mia, sisters in law Bernie and Marie, brothers-law in law Finbar and Keith, parents-law in law PJ and Mary Shannon, nieces, relatives, neighbours, and many friends.”
Tributes have been pouring in since his passing, with local organisations he was involved with paying their heartbreaking respects.
Tullamore Basketball Club took to social media to share a message about the former coach after working at the club over many years.
They said: “It is with great sadness and with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Coach Richie O’Mahoney. Richie gave so much to our club here in Tullamore and took pride in the development of many of our young players and teams.
“Our deepest sympathy and condolences are with the O’Mahoney family at this sad time, and of course, we extend this to those who played under Richie’s coaching and guidance over the years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
“His years involved in basketball in both Tullamore & Midlands basketball teams are a testament to the man Richie was. It was always evident with Richie that winning didn’t mean finishing the game with more points than the opposing team, winning to Richie meant seeing his players develop and enjoy themselves, and as long as that was happening, winning any game was just a bonus. That was from the juvenile level right up to Senior Basketball.”
Basketball Ireland also shared a post about Richie’s passing, describing the father-of-four as someone who “selflessly” devoted his time to the sport.
They said: “Everyone at Basketball Ireland wish to extend our deepest condolences to the O’Mahoney family on the passing of Mr. Richie O’Mahoney.
“He gave his time selflessly through the years to primary school and mini- basketball operations and later to Tullamore BC.
“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dílis.”
Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae also said: “To all the O’Mahoney family. I’m very sorry for your great loss at this sad time. May the late Richie rest in peace.”
Richie’s funeral is set tot take place this morning, June 22, in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore at 10am with a private cremation to follow.