Warm tributes have been paid following the death of West Waterford fitness coach Mark McConnell.
Mark, from Tubird, Cappoquin, died unexpectedly on Friday July 18th.
His death notice describes him as “adored dad of Érin, Fionn, Fiadh and Caragh, much loved son of Ray and Sylvia (née Mason), loving brother of Kate Ahearne, Sally and Jane McConnell and Mark’s much loved partner Mary O’Neill.”
The notice says that Mark is “deeply missed by his heartbroken children, father, mother, grandmother Joan and grandson of the late Dick Mason, James and Grace McConnell, brother-in-law Shane Ahearne, Sally’s partner Gordon and Jane’s partner Alex, nieces Lily-Mae and Zoey, nephews Darragh and Callan, the mother of Mark’s children Jemma O’Donnell, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours and many friends.”
Tributes from sports clubs
Many online tributes have been paid to Mark, including from many Waterford sporting clubs.
BUDO Self-Defence and Kickboxing, Dungarvan said Mark had “transformed hundreds of lives within Dungarvan, as well as the whole of County Waterford, both mentally and physically.”
The club’s tribute adds: “He has been a loud voice for men’s mental health and well-being and has always had people’s interest at heart. You will be terribly missed.”
Lismore GAA Club said: “Mark gave great time to Lismore GAA where he had many friends and will be fondly remembered by all.”
Meanwhile, Lismore Camogie Senior team said they were “very lucky” to have Mark as part of their backroom team for a couple of years where he took the girls for Strength and Conditioning in Tourin and his Dungarvan premises.”He was involved when they won the County Senior title in 2017 and went on to win the Munster title the same year,” the club said.
“He loved wearing the black and amber on match day. Mark had a great knowledge of his profession and the girls enjoyed these tough sessions.”
Portlaw Camogie Club said Mark was “a valued member of our Intermediate Camogie Team, working with the team this season as their Strength and Conditioning Coach.”
The club added: “Mark has made a huge impact on the team and will be deeply missed by all the girls and management.”
Roanmore GAA and Camogie Club said Mark “began his involvement with our adult teams five years ago as our Strength and Conditioning coach and brought with him a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to our club.”
Their tribute added: “Mark and his work will always be part of our club’s history and we will strive to continue on the path of physical preparation Mark instilled in our teams.”
Mark’s reposal will take place at Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Home, Cappoquin on Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday July 22nd at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Church Cappoquin, followed by burial in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Cappoquin.
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