Sad passing of Tubbercurry native
The sad and unexpected death occurred of John Mullaney, late of Teeling Street, Tubbercurry. Age 57, John was son of Evelyn and the late Jim Mullaney of Teeling Street. Jim and Evelyn were prominent business people from the mid 1940’s to the late 70’s in Teeling Street where Murphy’s Hotel now stands.
Young John Mullaney grew up on Teeling Street and worked in the business as a youngster. An able and versatile sportsman, John was an excellent athlete at long jump and sprint events and regularly represented Tubbercurry at the National Community Games, then held at Butlins, Co. Meath.
He was also a very stylish footballer at both soccer and Gaelic, and was a prolific goal scorer with his educated left foot. He grew up at a time when Tubbercurry were winning regular underage County titles at all grades, including Minor and U-21, and he was always prominent in the forward lines. He was also making the Tubbercurry Senior team in the early 1980’s before he emigrated to New York for career opportunities in 1986. In New York he worked for 15 years as a carpenter and was very much part of the Irish Community while there.
He also represented Real Tubber soccer team for many years and was always prominent as he modelled his soccer style on George Best.
John was always jolly and always had a smile on his face. He met the love of his life Rita at a friend’s wedding in Scotland in 2002 and after getting married, lived and worked in Scotland for the last 15 years.
His recent unexpected death was met with grief amongst all his football playing friends in Tubbercurry, and a number of close friends made the sad trip to Scotland to say farewell to John on behalf of Tubbercurry.
His burial took place in Cille Choirill Cemetery near Roy Bridge, Fort William, which is in the Scottish Highlands, a most beautiful and picturesque cemetery. His coffin carried the Tubbercurry GAA and Real Tubber Jersey, two teams he loved dearly.
A memorial Mass will be held in November in John’s memory, details to be announced later.
John is survived by his loving wife Rita, mother Evelyn, sisters Mary, Dorothy and Claire, brother James, in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces and many close friends, all to whom sympathy is extended. May his gently soul rest in peace.