The GAA community is once again in mourning this week after the passing of talented player and coach Enda Mulvihill at the age of 43. Enda was a beloved member of Garrycastle GAA in Westmeath, a club mate of RTE Sunday Game analyst Dessie Dolan, and more recently coached with Clontarf GAA in Dublin.
Enda passed away peacefully after a short illness "very bravely borne in the Mater Private Hospital surrounded by his loving family," his death notice on Rip.ie states.
He is described as a "beloved husband and best friend of Ruth" who will be very sadly missed by his loving wife, children Emily and Ella, parents Anne and Colm, sister Niamh, brother Colm, parents-in-law Jimmy and Helen, sisters-in-law Jennie, Emma, Íde and Sinead, brothers-in-law Mike, Brian and James, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
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Garrycastle GAA announced the news of his death on Wednesday: "It is with tremendous pain and sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most decorated, dedicated and loved club members, Enda Mulvihill after a short illness. A former captain of the club, Enda was renowned for his leadership qualities."
The club's statement continued: "Enda has been a member of our club since 1987, starting at U10, and played a staring role in much of the club’s success at underage. At senior level Enda won seven county medals and we will all remember the role Enda played when we beat St Brigids to win the Leinster Club Championship in 2011."
Enda represented Westmeath too culminating in All Ireland success as part of the U21 All Ireland win in 1999. The club has described him as "a gentleman in the truest sense both on and off the pitch whose love and affection was felt by all who knew him."
"We will never forget his bravery, commitment or beautiful smile. He’ll always be in our hearts. We extend our deepest sympathies to Enda’s wife Ruth, daughters Emily and Ella, parents Colm and Anne, brother Colm, sister Niamh and all his family and friends at this heartbreaking time," Garrycastle GAA concluded.
Westmeath GAA also paid tribute to Enda following his passing this week. A statement read: "All at Westmeath GAA send their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and all associated with Garrycastle GAA on the sad passing of Enda Mulvihill. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Long-time rivals of Garrycasatle, St Loman's GAA in Mullingar, also paid tribute. They said: "St Lomans Mullingar extend our deepest sympathies to the Mulvihill family and Garrycastle following the passing of their former defender Enda Mulvihill. We once again wish to express our condolences to his family at this very sad time."
In recent years, Enda was part of the coaching team at Clontarf GAA in Dublin where he mentored the U19 boys and U9 girls teams. Clontarf GAA joined the tributes on Wednesday, saying, "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the untimely death of our friend and coach Enda Mulvihill. Enda passed away last night peacefully after a short illness at the age of 43."
Friends and family have been further paying tribute in recent days as they remember the kind and genuine person that Enda was. One such message on RIP.ie read: "To Ruth, Emily & Ella and all the Mulvihill and wider family, deepest condolences on Enda's passing. An immeasurable loss for all of you, much much too soon. Enda's warm smile and wit will be sorely missed in Clontarf. May he rest in peace."
Another family friend wrote to Enda's parents: "Anne and Colm, I am really shocked to hear of Enda's premature death, my sincere sympathy to you and to his Ruth and two little girls and Niamh and Colm and extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time may he rest in peace."
A school friend of Enda said: "I will never forget my old pal Enda from primary school and Retreat Park, an integral part of my childhood in Athlone. So very sad for his wife Ruth and little girls. May he rest in peace."
A friend from Clontarf GAA added: "Sincerest sympathies to the Mulvihill families at this terribly sad time following the passing of dear Enda. I had the pleasure of knowing Enda as a girls U9 mentor. Enda was the most passionate, kindest, funniest mentor on the pitch and the girls loved being at his station, as did the mentors, if you were lucky enough to to be partnered with him. Enda will be so fondly remembered and very sadly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Enda’s family at this difficult time."
Enda will be reposing in Staffords Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Friday, June 24, from 3pm to 5pm. Removal to St. John the Baptist Church, Clontarf on Saturday morning for 10am Funeral Mass followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery, Athlone. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society.
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