Tributes pour in for former GAA player after his sudden death

The former GAA player also worked as a paramedic.

A former Roscommon and Strokestown footballer, Mr Fallon represented the county at minor, U-21 and senior levels.

This included winning a Connacht Senior Championship medal in 1991.

According to reports, Mr Fallon - who was in his 50s - passed away after he fell ill while he was on duty as an advanced paramedic at Boyle Ambulance Station.

His RIP.ie notice reads:

"The death has occurred of Martin (Fozzy) Fallon - Carniska, Strokestown, Roscommon. Suddenly on January 17th 2025.

"Dearly loved husband of Ann (McNamara) and adored dad of Jack and Amy.

"Martin will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken wife, son & daughter, brother Aidan, sisters Marie & Trish (Patti), brothers-in-law Sean, Paschal, John & Mick, sisters-in-law Helen, Betty & Gillian, nephews & nieces Katelyn, Holly, David, Liam, Zoe, Megan, Sean, Eve, Cathal, Danny & Laura, his aunts Patty & Geraldine, uncle Leo, cousins, neighbours, work colleagues and a large circle of friends, especially all of his many sporting friends."

His funeral mass will commence at 11am on Tuesday (21 January) at Strokestown Parish Church.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Fallon from both the GAA and paramedic community.

Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll expressed his sympathy, stating: “I was deeply shocked and saddened on Friday morning when I learned of the death of Martin ‘Fozzy’ Fallon.

"On the pitch, Martin was a fine footballer who, for many years, demonstrated immense dedication and commitment to his beloved Strokestown. He was the proud holder of two Roscommon Senior Football Championship medals, won in 1992 and 2002.

"There are no words that can truly capture what Martin meant to Strokestown GAA Club. Martin also proudly represented Roscommon at all grades, including Minor and U-21, and made 13 appearances for the Roscommon Senior team while winning a Connacht Senior medal in 1991.

"Fozzy was not just remarkable on the pitch, he was a mighty character off it. He was great company, a pleasure to be around, a gentleman, and a true friend to all.

"On behalf of Roscommon GAA, I extend my deepest sympathy to Ann, Jack, Amy, the extended Fallon family, everyone in Strokestown GAA Club, Martin’s former teammates, and his large circle of friends. Martin will be fondly remembered and forever missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace.”

Strokestown GAA also said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and devastating passing of Martin ‘Fozzy’ Fallon.

"Fozzy was a true legend of the Black and Amber, and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the club and the wider Strokestown community.

"Everyone at Strokestown GAA extends their deepest sympathies to Ann, Jack, Amy and the extended Fallon family."

Also issuing a statement about Mr. Fallon's passing, National Ambulance Service Ireland (NAS) said: "During Thursday night’s shift, we were alerted to the sad and sudden death of our colleague, Martin Fallon, Advanced Paramedic in Boyle Ambulance Station.

"We know that Martin was a strong and committed family man, a community activist and a stalwart of both Strokestown GAA and Creggs Rugby Club. His loss will be profound for many.

"Martin was a much-loved member of Boyle Ambulance Station and those colleagues closest to Martin have described him as a conscientious and unassuming person who together with his crew mates, got on with the job of responding to patients.

"For many in NAS, Martin’s death has also meant the loss of a friend, a work colleague and a fellow professional devoted to the values of caring, compassion and empathy towards others.

"During his long career with NAS, the care and empathy that Martin provided will have meant so much to so many patients and families."

Main image via RIP.ie