One of the prime movers in the development of soccer in Roscommon, John Sherlock, was laid to rest this week in Drum after his untimely death in a car crash in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr Sherlock (55 ) died after the car in which he was travelling left the road and struck a wall off the N61 at Lecarrow at 6am.
The man from Baylough who lived in Knockcroghery, had, only two days previously, been elected vice-chair of the FAI junior council at its AGM in Wexford, where he watched his good friend Paddy McCaul elevated to the position of president of the association.
In addition to the position he was recently elected to, Mr Sherlock was also vice-president of the Connacht FA and secretary of the Roscommon and District League.
All games in Roscommon have been cancelled this weekend as a mark of respect.
“The entire football community is in shock at the news of John's death. He was a tremendous worker and was the driving force behind the Roscommon League and the development of their headquarters. He will be sorely missed and on behalf of everybody in football I extend our sincere sympathies to his family,” said newly elected FAI President Paddy McCaul.
“I am personally devastated at the news. John Sherlock was a gentle giant and leaves behind a tremendous legacy from his contribution to football at local, provincial, and national level and his untimely death has robbed Irish football of a great man. My thoughts at this time are with his family and I offer them my sincere sympathy on their great loss,” said FAI chief executive John Delaney.
He is survived by his wife Teresa, children Gillian, Adrian and James, as well as his brothers and sisters.
Gardai in Roscommon are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone who was travelling that stretch of road between 5am and 6am on Sunday morning to contact them on (090 ) 6638300 or the Garda confidential line (1800 ) 666111.
