Mayo GAA legends support London golf event in support of Newport family

MAYO GAA legends Willie Joe Padden and Colm McManamon took part in a charity golf day in London to raise fund for the family of a Burrishoole man who died suddenly on St Stephen’s Day.

The two GAA legends were among a number of people in Mayo and London who came together to support the family of father of five, Frank McHale who passed away aged just 50 years after falling ill in his home at Roskeen, Newport on St Stephen’s Day, 2023.

Frank was married to Maria and was father of Matthew, Finn, Joseph, Thomas and Maisie.

Frank lived in Hendon from 1993 to 2000, where he played Gaelic football for Parnells, a north London team with close links to Mayo. He returned to his home in Burrishoole in 2000, shortly after the passing of his beloved dad and married his wife Maria, who is from Hendon.

On Saturday, June 29, the North West London community came together to support a fund raising event for the family of Frank McHale.

The Claddagh Ring, Hendon along with Frank’s close family and friends hosted a Golf day in Mill Hill Golf Club followed by a fundraising event in the Claddagh Ring with live music, auction and raffle with all items donated free.

Finbar Holian from the Claddagh Ring stated: “On behalf of the organising committee we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who supported this event in UK and in Ireland especially the Mayo community both here and Ireland; it never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved when a community unites for such a worthy cause.”

The event was boosted with guest appearances from two ex-Mayo footballers, Colm McManamon, who played football with Frank for Burrishoole and Mayo legend Willie Joe Padden.

The event organisers set up a Just Giving page for people to make a donation and can do so by clinking on the link https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/frankmchale-familyfundraiser