Tributes paid to Ballymore Eustace's Leinster winning goalkeeper 

Both Ballinteer St Johns and his adopted Kildare club Ballymore Eustace have paid tribute to Kevin McNally after his sad passing earlier this week.

A member of the famed McNally family from Ballinteer, whose sister Angie and brother Johnny both represented Dublin at senior level, Kevin had already enjoyed an impressive playing career before moving to Kildare.

He was part of the Ballinteer St Johns team that won Junior and Intermediate titles in Dublin and helped establish them at the top level in the county.

After moving to Ballymore in around 2005, he quickly became a hugely popular figure within the club.

He featured for the senior team initially as a corner forward but eventually ended up between the posts - and what a goalkeeper he was.

McNally was outstanding throughout Ballymore's memorable 2010 campaign. He kept clean sheets in the semi-final against Johnstownbridge and then in the final against Confey as Ballymore captured their first Kildare Intermediate title since 1994. More shutouts followed against Cuala and Timahoe in Leinster before Ballymore defeated Nobber 0-12 to 0-10 in the provincial decider, with McNally again keeping a clean sheet on one of the greatest days in the club's history.

His influence on the club continued well after his playing days finished and he managed Ballymore to a Kildare Junior title in 2017. Many of the players that he managed at various underage levels went on to play adult football for the club, including his own son Sean who is the current goalkeeper for the club’s first team.

Ballymore paid a touching tribute to him.

“It has taken us a few days to find the words, as we try to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin McNally this week. Our club and community are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of a man who gave so much to so many.

Kevin began his GAA journey with Ballinteer St. John’s, where his family are well known. When he moved to Ballymore, he joined our club around 2005 and quickly became an integral part of our footballing story.

Kev first featured for us as a corner forward and free-taker. His ice-cool persona and composure in front of the posts guaranteed us a few scores. He later moved to the opposite end of the pitch, where he became an outstanding goalkeeper.

Between the posts, Kevin was a commanding presence, a leader at the back who inspired confidence and commanded respect. At his height, he was unparalleled as a goalkeeper within the county, and we were more than happy to have Kev wearing the Ballymore jersey. He played an incredibly important role in our historic Kildare and Leinster Intermediate Championship success in 2010, a memory that will forever be part of our club’s history.

Kevin’s contribution to Ballymore GAA did not end when his playing days were over. He remained heavily involved in coaching and managing our juvenile teams, giving his time, knowledge and experience to the next generation of players. His success at underage level led to him taking charge of our senior team, and, under his leadership as manager, we went on to win the Kildare Junior Championship in 2017. Many of the players who helped achieve that success were young footballers he had coached and nurtured through the club. It was a wonderful reflection of the time and dedication he had invested in Ballymore GAA.

Kevin was also involved in coaching our minor teams. His son Sean has proudly carried on the GAA tradition and now lines out as goalkeeper for our senior men’s team.

Of course, Kev was a pure blue Dub through and through! An avid supporter of the boys in blue, he never missed an opportunity to remind us of his allegiance. It made for plenty of great banter. He may have been a proud Dublin man, but he was very much Ballymore’s Dub, and we were proud to call him one of our own.

Beyond football, we will remember Kevin for his ready smile, his willingness to stop for a chat, his cheeky grin, the occasional wink and, above all, that massive, deep laugh that could light up a room. He brought great character, warmth and craic wherever he went. He was a goalkeeper, coach, mentor, leader and friend, but above all, he was a devoted husband and father.

Kev leaves a huge gap in our club and community. Our lives are undoubtedly richer for having known him, but our hearts are broken having lost him.

Our deepest sympathies are with his wife Audrey, his children Sean, Molly and Katie, his wider family, friends and all who are grieving his loss at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest well, our Dublin legend. Thank you, Kev, for the memories, the laughter, the leadership and everything you gave to Ballymore. You will always be one of our own.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” 

His Dublin club, Ballinteer St Johns also paid tribute.

“Many in the club and Ballinteer area are shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of one of our former senior players and a club stalwart for many years Kevin McNally. It follows on from the recent passing of his mother Maureen ‘Mog’ McNally.

Kevin was a key player and leader of the team that rose from the junior ranks of football up to senior football winning the 1998 Dublin intermediate championship on the way and helping put the club on the path to success and at its place in the top ranks GAA in Dublin.

Kevin moved to Ballymore Eustace where he continued his GAA journey with Ballymore Eustace GAA and LGFA who will also be flying our club flag at half mast in honour of Kevin.

The family have all been involved in the club as players, coaches and supporters over many years with Johnny and Angie representing the club with distinction for Dublin senior teams over the years. Their father Paddy ‘Podge’ McNally was a proud member and supporter of the club until his death a number of years ago.

Thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family wife Audrey son Seán daughters Molly and Katie , siblings Angie, Eileen, Trisha, Johnny and Deirdre (Digger), all his wider family , friends , club members and neighbours.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam” 

Funeral arrangements have also been announced for the popular clubman and family man.

Kevin was the beloved husband of Audrey. Devoted father to Seán, Molly and Katie. He will be dearly and sadly missed by his family, brother Johnny, sisters Angie, Eileen, Trish and Digger, mother-in-law Jean, brothers-in-law Thomas, Colm, Mick, Darren and Liam, sisters-in-law Aisling, Sharon, Niamh and Gill, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, and his best friend Kaiya. Recently deceased mother Maureen, his late father Paddy and father-in-law Tommy.

He will be reposed at his home on Friday 23rd October 2026 from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. From 7.00 pm onwards House Strictly Private. Funeral to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymore Eustace on Saturday 24th October arriving for 11.00 am Funeral Mass followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballymore Eustace.