Death of Down GAA legend Dan McCartan snr

Down GAA legend and three-time All-Ireland winner Dan McCartan has died.

Regarded as one of the greatest defenders to come out of Ulster, he helped Down to Sam Maguire successes in 1960, 1961 and 1968, winning the first of those as a 19-year-old.

McCartan also helped the Mourne County to three league titles and eight Ulster wins in a golden period for the county whilst he also won four Railway Cups with the province.

He shared many of those successes with his brother James, who died in August 2021, while his son Mark won a Celtic Cross in 1991.

His success extended to management too, McCartan acting as a selector on the 1978 Down Ulster winning side as well as the 1983 National League crown, the first major success for the likes of Paddy O'Rourke and Greg Blaney would go on to enjoy such success in the 1990s at All-Ireland level.

'’Big Dan" was also a selector with the 1987 All-Ireland minors, who beat Cork in the final, under Pete McGrath. That side would include his nephew James, who would lead Down to the 2010 All-Ireland final, and Late Late Show host Patrick Kietly amongst others.

"Dan McCartan was a Player, a Team Manager, Team Selector, County Youth Officer, a Delegate to Congress and a champion of the game of Handball," Down GAA said.

"He made a difference to the lives of many, those whom he played with and those he would go on to coach. He was a passionate and proud Down man, who at all times gave of his best in any task that he undertook.

"The present generation of Down footballers are inheritors of a great tradition that began with men like Dan McCartan. Indeed a wonderful legacy, in club and county has been left by a great man."