GAA community in mourning following death of Galway minor star after brave ALS battle
Iomar Barrett passed away peacefully on Friday after a brave and courageous battle with ALS.Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a former Galway GAA minor star who has sadly passed away following a brave illness battle.Iomar 'Og' Barrett, who was originally from Mountbellew but had been living in Monaco, passed away peacefully on Friday after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a a fatal motor neuron disease which causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain.A former student at St Joseph's College, Iomar was an exceptionally talented sportsman who lined out for the Galway Minor GAA team, following in the footsteps of his father, Iomar Barret Sr, who won a Minor All-Ireland football medal for the Tribesmen in 1970.Iomar Og was also a member of the Connacht Schools team, while he also represented his country by playing for Ireland against Australia in International Rules at U-17 level.Iomar was just as gifted in the classroom as he was on the pitch, earning an impressive 600 points on his Leaving Cert after scoring eight higher level As.Iomar Barrett (right) in action for the Galway Minor against Meath during the All Ireland Minor Football Quarter Final in 2002(Image: ©INPHO/Andrew Paton)After graduating college, Iomar began working as an investor and hedge fund manager. However he was forced to close his business in April of last year after he was diagnosed with ALS.The father-of-two first noticed his ALS symptoms in mid-February 2024 and received his diagnosis in April. By late April of that year, he could no longer type effectively and had to make the difficult decision to close his business and retire.In August he was required to use a wheelchair due to the illness and by April of this year, his voice was gone. On Friday, Iomar passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.A death notice shared on RIP.ie states: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of our dear Iomar who passed away peacefully on November 28th 2025 after a brave and courageous battle with ALS."Loving father to Elliot and Caspar and beloved son of Iomar Senior and Bernadette."Iomar will be deeply missed by Leiticia, and all of those who knew and loved him."His absence will be particularly felt by his many aunts, uncles and cousins across the Barrett and Costello families, as well as Claire the mother of his beloved sons."A Memorial Service in Iomar’s memory will take place on Wednesday at Le Meridien, Monaco, where Iomar had been living for a number of years.Iomar’s family will host a mass and celebration of his life in Galway in January 2026, with details to be shared closer to the time.Tributes have poured in for the talented sportsman, with Mountbellew Moylough GAA Club writing in a post shared on social media: "Mountbellew/Moylough GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Iomar óg Barrett, former Mountbellew/Moylough footballer and proud clubman."Iomar was a gifted footballer whose talent and passion shone through from a young age."Iomar represented both his club and county with distinction, wearing both jersey with pride."At club level with Mountbellew/Moylough, Iomar was a driving force across the grades. He was known not only for his commitment on the field but also for his dedication to the game and the values of our GAA community."Iomar went on to represent Galway at minor level and represented his country playing compromise rules at U-17. His loss will be felt greatly in Mountbellew/Moylough, across Galway, and among the many friends he made through sport."Mountbellew/Moylough GAA extends its deepest sympathies to his parents Iomar senior and Bernadette, his children Elliot and Caspar, his extended family, his many friends, and his teammates in Mountbellew/Moylough and Galway. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."Friends and family also paid tribute to the young dad-of-two in messages shared online.One mourner said: "Deeply sadden to hear of Iomar’s passing. I’ve fond memories of competing against him on the rugby pitch in Garbally and Jes colours and playing together with him in Connacht colours. Always a gent on and off the pitch. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."Another person added: "It's very sad news to hear. What a lovely young man. It was a pleasure to meet him a class mate and sporting colleague of our son in the Garbally and Connacht schools rugby days. A superb talent in so many ways. Our deepest sympathy to the Barrett family and may Iomar have a bed in heaven."A former teammate of Iomar's said: "My sincere condolences to all of Iomar’s family and friends. I remember Iomar as a talented teammate and a friendly and popular lad off the pitch as well. Great memories of playing together for Cu Chulainns in London. May he Rest in Peace."While another person added: "To Iomar and Bernadette, there are no words at this time for the loss of your caring, talented and accomplished son. He brought so much to many in his time in Mountbellew, Garbally, Dublin, London and Monaco. He will be deeply missed by those that spent time with him in a classroom, in a trad session or watching his talents on a rugby or gaelic pitch. He will be remembered fondly and admired for how hard he strove to fight ALS and build on the research. My deepest sympathies on his passing-a light in this world taken too soon."Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
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