‘A driving force behind Gaelic games’ – Tributes to Galway man who championed the GAA in Chicago
Paul Reynolds from Athenry died on Friday morning, May 16 at his home in Chicago, United States surrounded by his family.Described as a “driving force” behind Gaelic games in Chicago, Paul had made a name for himself Stateside at the helm of several GAA sports clubs and teams.His last visit in Ireland was a trip with his son where they headed out to Croke Park for the All Ireland Semi Final between Galway and Armagh in 2024.A heartfelt tribute on the social media group Galway Footballers Homepage read: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of 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 and Armagh.Paul Reynolds (right) and his son Eamonn“This would be part of Paul’s final trip to Ireland and 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 and the youth programme.“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 and 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 and Ronan and by his family and friends both in Chicago and in Ireland.”Several people shared their own tributes to Paul as well, with one person saying: “Very sorry to hear of his passing, remember speaking to him before the match outside Croke Park last year. He did great work Stateside for the game and was very much a man of integrity and humility, keep smiling from above, rest in peace.”Another said: “Rip Paul…you were a lovely man. An Athenry man first and foremost and a great GAA man. Hurling or football, didn't matter, you loved them both equally and always followed Athenry and all Galway’s teams with pride. Condolences to Lizzie and the boys and all your family here in Athenry and Galway and Chicago.”
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