Éire Óg are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Billy Munnelly. Billy dedicated much of his life to Éire Óg Oxford as a player (1964-2000), selector and committee member and will be sorely missed by the Irish community in Oxford.
Billy originally hailed from Doohoma Head near Belmullet in County Mayo. He and his family came to England in 1962 when Billy was a teenager. Billy first played with Éire Óg Oxford in 1964, five years after the club was established. He won several titles with Éire Óg including the Junior Cup in 1972 and 77 and of course the Senior Hertfordshire Championship in 1991. He played his last game in 2000, at the age of 53, as a goalkeeper on a team containing the current manager John Gaughan, that won the Senior B Cup. He was a swash buckling player, playing in practically all positions from 1 to 15 for Éire Óg. Billy was a great leader on the pitch, much like his favourite player Joe Corcoran of Mayo.
Billy also served as a selector and a committee member for the club and was Club President in 2011. He retired from Committee involvement in 2015 after a staggering 51 years of involvement in the club. Billy always made an effort to attend games; Mens, Ladies and Youth. He had a fine eye for a good team and good players. Billy was delighted in 2014 when the mens team won the double, league and championship. He had strong hopes for Éire Óg in 2017.
Billy loved Irish music, and often organised dances in Oxford. He resided in Marston and will be a big loss to the community there where he attended mass on a daily basis.
Billy passed away in Oxford on the 13th of July 2017, aged 70.
There will be a minutes silence before Éire Óg’s Ladies Championship Semi Final and Men’s League Final on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Condolences to Billy’s family. Ar dheis de go raibh a ainm.
Billy being presented with a club jersey at the dinner dance as he retires from the club committee in 2015
Billy with the Junior Champions in 1977 (front row, fifth from the left)
Billy with the Éire Óg Committee in 1996 (back row, sixth from left)