Galway GAA tributes for 'passionate' hurling man who spread game to US

A Galway-native man who passionately spread hurling in north America, helping transform the game in a major city and taking his US club to several Championships, has died after a brave fight with cancer Paul Reynolds of Chicago and formerly of Moorpark, Athenry, Co. Galway died peacefully following a brave and long battle with a brain tumour. Paul was an avid GAA man, who had an immeasurable impact on the game of hurling in his adopted home of Chicago. His passion for hurling was famous, and he was "dedicated" to growing the sport outside its native shores. His club, Chicago St. Jarlath's, paid a loving tribute to Paul, whom he served tirelessly as a coach and administrator. Incredibly, a side he carefully guided from U-8 will take part in the Irish national Féile, the prestigious U-14 tournament. "The club regrets to inform you all of the passing of one of our coaches, Paul Reynolds after a long battle with brain cancer. "Today, our club lost not only one of our longtime coaches but a great friend to us all. Paul was a great GAA person who loved promoting our native games to his kids and their friends. "Our U14/15 group who are going to Feile in Ireland next month was Paul’s group since they were U’8’s. Paul was the driving force behind this trip and he will be missed greatly by these boys." Chicago St. Jarlath's continued: "Paul was very passionate about hurling in particular. Paul is one of the main reasons that Adult hurling is still being played in Chicago as one of the founding members of the Michael Cusack Hurling Club. "Paul also was a dedicated GAA administrator serving on club boards and as the longtime Secretary of Chicago GAA. A dedicated volunteer who always did his best to promote the GAA and Irish culture wherever he went. "We would like to offer our deepest condolences to his wife Liz, his sons Eamonn and Ronan and all of the Reynolds family and friends both here and in Ireland. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time." Read More Related Articles RTE viewers rush to rewatch new show after that moment involving famous GAA star Read More Related Articles GAA world mourns 'special lady' whose family helped found hurling heavyweight Galway Footballers Homepage also shared the heartbreaking news and paid tribute to Paul: "We are saddened to hear of the passing a Galway man who has been a driving force behind Gaelic Games in Chicago for many years. "Paul Reynolds, from Athenry, passed away peacefully following a long illness on Friday morning at his home in Chicago, surrounded by his family. "Paul is pictured here with his son Eamonn last July outside Croke Park, prior to the 2024 All-Ireland SFC final between Galway & Armagh. "This would be part of Paul’s final trip to Ireland & he had the opportunity to bring his son to his first ever game at Croke Park. "Paul dedicated many years to Chicago GAA, USGAA, their clubs & the youth programme. Paul Reynolds, a native of Moorpark, Athenry left a lasting legacy on the sport in Chicago (Image: RIP.ie) "He was involved in the founding of the Michael Cusacks Hurling Club, with the vision of giving Americans the opportunity to play higher-level hurling in Chicago. "The club has won a number of North American titles over the years. "He was also involved in starting up the first-ever youth hurling programme in Chicago & served as Secretary of the Chicago St. Jarlath's GAA - Youth. "Paul held a number of positions on the Chicago Board as well as serving as secretary for many years on the Central Divisional County Board of the GAA. "Paul will be sadly missed by his wife Lizzie, his sons, Eamonn & Ronan and by his family & friends both in Chicago & in Ireland." For all the latest breaking news headlines today, visit our website home page. Funeral and burial for Paul Reynolds will take place in Chicago in the coming days.. A Memorial Mass will be held for Paul in The Church Of Assumption Athenry at a later date. Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

View Original Article