Galway sports star turned Catholic missionary who featured on RTE Late Late Show dies

Niall McDonagh was well known in sporting circles around Galway but became a household name when in 2019 he featured on RTE’s Late Late Show to go through his reasons for becoming a devoted evangelist.

News filtered through on Tuesday of the Rahoon man’s death, better known as ‘Townie’ to some of his past teammates and opponents in the footballing world.

His old club West United were the first to pay tribute saying ‘Townie’ left an “incredible mark no matter where he went”.

A club’s spokesperson said: “It was with great sadness we learned this morning of the passing of Niall ‘Townie’ McDonagh.

“Niall was a hugely popular figure in West Utd and when his faith education or work hadn't him some other part of the World, he always wore the green and white hoops with pride. Affectionately known as Townie to all his team mates and club mates, if ever looks were deceiving on a football field, Townie was the prime example. While he would go into battle spotless clean and not a rib of hair out of place.

“One would think they'd have an easy afternoon with this pretty boy marking them, that was their first mistake as he'd fly into tackles like a kamikaze pilot and by full time most forwards would have departed with a few souvenirs from Townie. He was a fabulous ball playing centre back who was part of many brilliant West Utd sides including the 2009 Double Winners.

“Life took him all over the world as he followed his faith. From volunteering in prisons in the Philippines, working in the Favelas of Brazil to helping the homeless in New York. Townie left an incredible mark every where he went, he was an extraordinary human being who was held in huge regard at West Utd and everywhere he went.”

They continued: “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. To his lovely mother Mary and brother David and extended family, our hearts go out to you all and our prayers are with you all.

“We were blessed to have you as part of our Club and forever grateful you stayed loyal to the green and white hoops. You waited a while but you finally got to see your beloved Arsenal lift the Premier League and you even got into Selhurst Park to see the trophy presentation in May. You're now reunited with your Father Brian John, Your brother Bernard and your cousin Niall. Sleep tight Townie Loved and Missed by all your friends at West Utd.”

Senator Ronan Mullen added: “I am very sorry to learn of the death of Niall McDonagh and extend my sincere condolences to his mother, Mary, his brother David, and all his family and friends on their loss. I spent a pleasant evening in the company of Niall and Mary last March. He was a brave Christian man. May the Lord reward him now for his witness to his faith and to the beauty of the truth he believed in.”

Chairperson of West United and City Councillor Josie Forde said: “Hearing this news this afternoon has truly knocked me for six. Niall was one of the kindest, most genuine and inspiring people you could ever meet. A true gentleman who had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“As Chairperson of West United, this news has hit us incredibly hard. Niall was one of our own, and today our West United family is heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are especially with Niall’s family at this devastating time, as well as his many friends and everyone in the West community who are feeling this terrible loss.

“Niall, you will be remembered with great fondness, respect and love. Thank you for the memories and for the person you were. You will always have a place in the heart of West United. Rest in peace, Niall. You were a gentleman in every sense of the word.”

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday October 30 at 12pm in Galway Cathedral followed by burial Rakerin Cemetery, Kilbeacanty.