Former Mayo footballer Ger Brady sadly passes after brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease

The former Claremorris and Mayo footballer was diagnosed in August 2022 with the degenerative disease.

Ger Brady played for Claremorris and Mayo. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Diease in August 2022. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Former Claremorris and Mayo footballer Ger Brady has passed away after a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. 

The 44-year-old passed away peacefully on Thursday in the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar.

The Claremorris native was diagnosed with the degenerative Motor Neurone Disease in August 2022 much to the shock of his family, friends and the GAA community.

In February 2023 a fundraising initiative, "Together for Ger" was launched at half-time of the Mayo and Kerry Allianz league game in Castlebar. In the first 72 hours €132,626 was raised.

On June 10 2023 a fundraising match was played between Claremorris and Mayo which saw many Mayo players come out of retirement to play for their teammate Ger. 

Among the former Mayo players taking part are All-Stars Keith Higgins, Andy Moran, Kevin O’Neill, Alan Dillon, and Conor Mortimer with former managers James Horan, John Maughan and Noel Connelly also participating on the day.

Ger, 44, was an exceptional forward who played with Claremorris for many years and represented Mayo at minor, U21 and senior level. He made his senior debut against New York in 1999 at full forward and won a Connacht SFC later that summer. 

Brady played for his club Claremorris through all age grades and they rallied around him after his diagnosis. 

Ger will be sadly missed by his wife Karen (Bell) and son Dylan, his parents Gerry and Margaret, sisters Elaine, Tara and Louse, relatives and friends. 

His remains will repose at Gilligan's Funeral Home in Claremorris this Saturday from 5-7pm and will arrive at St Colman's Church for Funeral Mass on Sunday at 2pm with burial after in St Colman's Cemetery in Claremorris.