Former GAA president Seán McCague dies

The death has taken place of former GAA president Seán McCague.

The Scotstown native was the first Monaghan man to take up the position when he led the association from 2000 to 2003 and played a key role in securing funding for the redevelopment of Croke Park while his tenure was most remembered for the removal of Rule 21, which banned members of the British security forces from playing GAA.

He first joined the Scotstown committee in 1996 as club secretary and rapidly ascended the ranks to hold the highest position in the GAA, replacing Galway's Joe McDonagh.

McCague’s contribution to the association extended past administration as he managed at club, county and international level having seen his playing days ended early by a back injury.

He led his club to the Monaghan Championship in 1974 to end a 13-year wait for the title and three years later he was in charge of the Farney County, guiding them to Ulster glory in 1979. Two more Anglo Celt titles and a National League crown would follow under his watch.

McCague, who also acted as a referee, was Ireland assistant manager to Eugene McGee for the International Rules series meetings in 1987 and 1990.

He is survived by his wife Bernie and daughters, Paula, Nuala, Martha, Freda and Emma.