A leading figure in Connacht Rugby, Gerry O'Donnell, who passed away this week, has been described as the "pied piper" of Ballina.
A down-to-earth man who could mix it with the best, Gerry was a force in developing the game in Ballina and Connacht, such was his passion for the game.
Owner of O'Donnell Meat Distributors, Gerry, born in Ballinrobe, was steeped in rugby - as a player in his youth, a coach, and an able administrator who became Connacht Branch president in 2016 - a memorable year in which he could take great pride and joy when Connacht won the PRO12 title.
But Gerry was more about participation than trophies, and Connacht CEO Willie Ruane was one of hundreds of youngsters who followed his tune.
"He is one of the reasons I got involved in rugby," Ruane says. "He would drive children anywhere and everywhere, every day of the week, piling them in the back of his meat van for rugby. He rounded up the kids and did every job in the club that was available.
"We played for him and because of him," Ruane says.
The Connacht CEO says Gerry was ever-present - "at every meeting, every game", and most recently Gerry was on the road following three matches - two underage cup finals before heading to Castlebar for a third match on the same day. He had also travelled to England to watch his grandson play.
The heart and soul of Ballina RFC, he was a man who kept himself fit - always out running. But there was much more to Gerry - always affable, he had a keen interest in people and places, a cultured man who loved the opera and business.
But, says Ruane, it was his great love for the game that Connacht Rugby will miss.
Ballina RFC chairman Alan Rowe says Gerry "lived and breathed Ballina Rugby".
"He never forgot a name and was integral to absolutely every aspect of the club. He had an unbelievable ability to talk to and connect with people of all ages in all walks of life."
A man who kept himself fit, Gerry was always seen out running. It is understood Gerry had undergone surgery recently.
