19/12/2022
Heartfelt sympathy to the Mc Aleer and Holland families on the passing of their beloved Marie. Marie’s LGFA family want to express their deepest sympathy to her husband Tiernan, her daughters Amy and Cara, her grandchildren, her brother Mike and sister Beatrice and the extended family at this most difficult time. Marie was a truly inspirational person, a trailblazer in the LGFA and will be a massive loss to anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Marie McAleer RIP
It is with such sorrow that we have to inform you all of the sad passing of Marie McAleer, a pioneering member of Ladies Football since 1974, at the heart of club, county, Connaught and provisional football for the past five decades. A lady in the prime of her life, with so much still to impart to those around her.
Marie leaves behind her husband Tiernan, daughters Amy and Kara, doted grandchildren, brother Michael, sister Beatrice, Amy’s partner Gavin, nieces, nephews, sister in laws, brother-in-law, friends, neighbours, and the wider ladies football community.
Marie was a talented footballer who played regularly for St Croan’s, Roscommon Gaels and Roscommon, winning an All-Ireland Senior title. Since becoming involved in ladies’ football, there has been no area that Marie was not involved in – supporter, player, manager, coach, steward, chairperson, committee member, caterer, jersey washer, referee, to name but a few.
Marie worked hard all her life, dedicating herself to the job in hand, whether work related or to ladies’ football. Meeting Marie you were assured to be greeted by her trademark smile, bubbly personality, and professional manner which endeared her to all her family, friends, and the sporting world and beyond. She was a gifted lady whose natural instinct was kindness and generosity towards others. With almost two decades in the position of county board Secretary we are devastated at her loss. She was a role model to everybody and our thoughts are with her family at this time.
The McAleer and Holland families have always been centrally involved in both ladies’ football and the GAA both in their club St Croan’s, then Roscommon Gaels, Roscommon, and beyond. Marie was honoured in 2018 with the GAA President’s award for her dedication and commitment to ladies’ football, this was a hugh honour for her, her family, and Roscommon LGFA
To Tiernan, Amy, Kara, grandchildren, and all the family we send our sincere sympathy. She was a role model of whom you can all be proud, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult and heart-breaking time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam cineálta, uasal.
The picture below taken of Marie in her element, at the Roscommon Ladies County Final 2022.
