Gay O’Brien of Corbally, Barna and formerly of Upper Salthill passed away on December 1, 2025, at University Hospital Galway following a battle with illness.
A retired garda, Mr O’Brien was the beloved son of the late Peter and May O’Brien is deeply mourned by his wife Sandra, son Shane, daughter Paola and her partner Antonio, his adoring granddaughter Isabella and his wider circle of family and friends.
Mr O’Brien was heavily involved in the Galway GAA community and has been remembered by his former teams as a talented manager and an influential figure in promoting the ladies’ game.
He had been senior manager of Killanin GAA before his passing. It was his second spell with the club, having initially led the club in 2005. He also enjoyed successful spells with Galway Ladies, ATU/GMIT and CLG Bhearna as manager.
ATU Sport remembered their former LGFA manager following his sad passing, and paid tribute to the unprecedented success they achieved during his stint in charge.
“Gay led the LGFA squads between 2017 and 2023, during which time GMIT/ATU enjoyed unprecedented success — winning two League titles, the Lagan Cup, and Donaghy Cup honours.
“Beyond his footballing acumen, Gay brought humility, honesty, and, most often, humour to his interactions with students and fellow backroom teams. He was a steady influence in the dressing room and on many a bus journey across Ireland.
“Rest easy, Gay”.
Killanin GAA paid tribute to their manager with a post in social media, hailing Mr O’Brien as a man whose life and leadership left an enduring mark on all who knew him.
Gay O’Brien was a proud representative of CLG Bhearna and served as their chairman. Photo: CLG Bhearna
“Gay was more than a manager — he was a guiding presence, a steady hand, and a source of quiet strength for every team and every individual he worked with.
“He first managed our team in 2005 and returned again in 2024. It was clear that Gay brought something rare: a deep respect for people, a calm authority, and a genuine belief in the potential of those around him.
“Gay’s contribution to the wider GAA community was equally remarkable. He guided the Galway Senior Ladies from 2009 to 2011. Long before that, he proudly represented Galway and Salthill Knocknacarra and was part of the Galway junior team that won the All-Ireland title in 1985.
“Over the years he managed numerous club teams, always bringing with him the same sense of integrity and commitment.
“Beyond the field, Gay served the community with distinction as a member of An Garda Síochána before his retirement, reflecting the same integrity and commitment he brought to sport.
“Gay treated every person with dignity. He listened. He encouraged. He cared deeply about the people behind the jerseys. His presence made teams stronger, but his kindness made individuals better.
“The loss of Gay is felt deeply, not just because of the roles he held, but because of the person he was, steady, thoughtful, compassionate, and one of life’s true gentlemen. His legacy will be carried forward in the values he instilled, the memories he shaped, and the countless lives he touched.”
One of his former clubs, CLG Bhearna, remembered their former manager and chairman as a man who shaped the club in ways that will be felt for generations.
“As manager, he guided our men’s team to senior status, a milestone that marked a new era of pride and ambition for the club. His leadership, commitment, and belief in the players helped build the foundation on which we stand today.
“His vision went far beyond the men’s game. He was the driving force behind the creation of our ladies’ section—an initiative that has grown into one of the most vibrant and successful parts of our club. Through this, he ensured that every young girl in our community had the opportunity to play, compete, and feel part of something bigger.
“More than his achievements on the pitch, Gay was also chairperson of our club, he will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity of spirit, and the countless hours he devoted to nurturing our club and its people. He was a mentor, a builder, and a friend to many. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Sandra, son Shane, daughter Paola and partner, his granddaughter Isobella, his brothers and extended family and friends.”
Gay O’Brien will repose at the Cillín within the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Barna, from 5.30pm on Wednesday, December 3, followed by removal into the church at 7pm.
Funeral mass for Mr O’Brien will be celebrated at 12pm the following day, Thursday, December 4 followed by private cremation at Shannon Crematorium.
