The GAA community is mourning the loss of Dermot Flaherty, a dedicated volunteer and passionate supporter of Gort and Galway hurling, who passed away after a courageous battle with illness.
Stream Sport expressed their sorrow on Facebook, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we today learned of the passing of Dermot Flaherty. A man of Gort, Galway and Connacht and most of all our great friend and colleague."
Gort GAA echoed these sentiments, highlighting Dermot's unwavering commitment: "Everyone at Gort GAA and beyond know the dedication that Dermot Flaherty has shown our club and local GAA in general."
Joe Byrne, a close friend and former Galway Hurling Chairman, remembered Dermot fondly: "Rest easy my friend, the news of your death was one of shock and sadness.
"I knew Dermot all my adult life and our friendship certainly originated from my father’s friendship with Dermot’s parents Tomo and Noreen. Throughout the years our mutual love of hurling certainly was the most regular topic of discussion, his role as Gort GAA hurling delegate was legendary during my time as Galway Hurling Chairman, a passionate Gort hurling man and brilliant volunteer.
"He definitely was Mr video man in hurling and camogie circles long before we had Clubber etc, which made him so popular. When I entered local politics he was always there to help me, his videos of my 2019 campaign were so meticulously organised and edited, he ensured they were done right."
He added in his heartfelt tribute that he "had a huge knowledge on local flooding" and the turlough at Hawkhill was his special chosen subject.
He continued "His work with Gort Community Centre was second to none, always looking for an angle on getting funding."He was very proud of his work in Lisk, he gave great service. He dealt with his illness with dignity and positivity, he never gave up, even chatting to him three weeks ago it was about getting better.
Since his illness Traught beach was his regular therapeutic location, followed by breakfast in Kinvara. My thoughts and prayers with his family, celebrate his life over the next few days, there is much to reflect on, he will be missed,"
Dave Fenwick shared a poignant memory: "Last year, while undergoing heavy treatment he agreed to do an interview for the television coverage to tell his story and implore with people to donate to this most worthy cause. I have no doubt that his interview made a difference and encouraged many people to support Cancer Research. But that was just the way Dermot was - if there was anything he could do to help he’d be there in a heartbeat."
Dave Fenwick added: "As we carried my dad out of the church in Scariff 15 years ago a group of cameramen made a guard of honour to see him safely on his journey. The one that caught my eye was Dermot Flaherty. He was so upset at the loss of his old friend. Just 3/4 days before that Dermot had filmed a match in Scariff under Joe’s ‘supervision’.
"They truly were great friends and while we didn’t have the 3/4 calls a day that they did, I’m very glad that myself and Dermot kept that friendship alive since.
"Two years ago he volunteered to be part of our annual coverage of Hurling for Cancer. Within a couple of weeks he had received his own cancer diagnosis.
"Unfortunately we’ll have yet another reason to pull out all the stops when we cover that game this coming August."
TG4 has also joined in on the heartbreaking tributes to his endurance sharing a moving video about his cancer journey over on X.
Dermot's legacy as a selfless volunteer and his enduring love for hurling will continue to inspire all who knew him.
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