Tributes Paid Following the Death Of Joe McDonagh

Tributes have been paid following the announcement of the death of former President of the GAA, Joe McDonagh.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, and the Minister of State for Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, expressed their sadness on the passing of Mr McDonagh.

Minister Ross said: "I was sad to hear of Joe's passing last night. No doubt the GAA community, both at home and abroad, and the wider sporting community are saddened at the news of Joe's passing and our sympathies are with his family today. His Presidency over the 1997 to 2000 period was important for our diaspora and led to strengthened networks and communities of Irish people living abroad."

Minister O'Donovan added: "Joe was a leading light of the GAA in Galway and nationally. He will, no doubt, have taken great pleasure in presenting the Sam Maguire and the Andy Merrigan cups to Galway and Corofin in 1998. He will be sorely missed."

Both ministers offered their sympathies to his wife Peig, his family and his many friends at home and abroad.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin also paid tribute to Mr McDonagh.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of former GAA President Joe McDonagh. He made an enormous contribution to the GAA both on and off the pitch over the course of his life. Joe was held in high regard amongst his friends and colleagues in the GAA and he played an important role in developing the organisation right across the country," Deputy Martin said.

"Joe also made a significant contribution to vocational education and he advanced a number of innovative policies during his time as CEO of the VEC. He was also passionate about the Irish language and sought to develop the language both within the GAA and further afield. He was dedicated to his native Ballinderreen and was proud of his local community which he always spoke dearly of.

"We will all miss Joe's unique character and his commitment in the cultural, educational and sporting world. My sympathies go to his wife Peig, his children and entire circle of family and friends at this difficult time."

(MH/LM)