THERE was shock and sadness across Galway last weekend at the deaths of two sportsmen – one a former All-Ireland hurling winner and triple All-Star – and the other a boxer in his late twenties.

Galway hurling icon, Michael Coleman, from Abbeyknockmoy, who had won every honour in the game, passed away suddenly last Friday evening as he was clearing light trees at the back of his house following Storm Éowyn.

Reposing for Michael Coleman took place on Wednesday at Brooklodge Church, Ballyglunin, where huge crowds attended. He will be laid to rest later today [Thursday) at Brooklodge Cemetery following Requiem Mass at 12 noon.

John Cooney [28], originally from the UK had worked as a barber in Clarinbridge for a number of years. He passed away last Saturday at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, following head injuries suffered in a professional boxing contest in Belfast on February 1 last.

Caption: Galway hurling supporters applaud their hero after a minute’s silence for Michael Coleman before the county’s national league win over Clare at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.

Read the tributes to both sports stars in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.