Nobody would be happier than Darragh Frain himself to see the success of an annual memorial tournament that brings youth from across Galway GAA clubs together to play football.

That it is in his name wouldn’t necessarily be the thing that would put a smile on his face but seeing over 1,000 children of all ages competing joyously in the tournament for the seventh year, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic.

The Darragh Frain Memorial Tournament was initiated a year after Darragh died of cancer by his friends who wanted to remember him in a way that would honour his love of the GAA, his love of football and most of all his love of seeing people brought together through sport.

A native of Renmore, Darragh played on the successful Junior team of St James’ Club in 2011 but it was his coaching abilities that endeared him to his club and further afield. He was also a selector. Both roles suited him as he was a people pleaser, someone whose love of life was infectious, so much so, he inspired others.

His death at the age of 28 in University Hospital Galway in September 2016 was a blow to his family and friends. His lovely mother, Bernie died a few months afterwards and he had been predeceased by his dad, Tom, from Roscommon, in 2011.

His friend Ollie Crowe said: ‘Darragh was a stalwart of the GAA in Galway City, having been heavily involved with St James’ GAA and GMIT GAA. He was one of the essential people every club or team needs, always willing to lend a hand, giving up his time to support his club or college teams in any way he could – no job was too big or too small for Darragh.”
This is a shortened preview version of this story. For more on the memorial, which takes place this Saturday, see the August 18 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can support our journalism and buy a digital edition HERE.