FORMER Down GAA players and managers have gathered together to say their final farewells to one of the county's "great stalwarts".
GAA figures joined family and friends of former Down full-back Leo Murphy (78) at his funeral in Rostrevor, following his death on Monday.
Hundreds of people lined the main street of the village as Mr Murphy's funeral cortege was brought to St Mary's Star of the Sea Church for Requiem Mass.
His wife Sodilva and children Ciara, Tara and Leon led mourners, which included former President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin.
Children from local primary schools, including Killowen Primary School where Mr Murphy was a former principal, formed a guard of honour outside the church.
Mr Murphy, a native of Kilkeel, was described as a key figure in Down's emergence as a major force in Gaelic football more than half a century ago.
Remembered as "the finest full-back of the era", he was part of the historic Down team to win the Sam Maguire for the first time in 1960 with a memorable eight-point victory over Kerry. He was also a member of the team which retained the trophy a year later.
His memorable defending on the pitch and his skill as a manager off the pitch were recalled at his funeral as mourners remembered the vast contribution he had made to the game.
Many former players, including a number from the 1960 and 1961 winning Down teams, were at the service including Paddy Doherty, Sean O'Neill, John Murphy, Larry Powell, Tom O'Hare and brothers James and Dan McCartan.
Kevin Mussen, who captained the Down side to victory in 1960, was also among the mourners as well former Down managers Barney Carr, Pete McGrath and Ross Carr.
Colm McAlarney, a member of the 1968 All Ireland winning team, was at the service as well as former Co Louth player Kevin Beahan.
Former SDLP leader Seamus Mallon also joined mourners as well as former seanator Maurice Hayes.
Down GAA said Mr Murphy was "loved and revered" by the GAA community in Rostrevor, Down and throughout Ireland.
Following Requiem Mass, Mr Murphy was laid to rest in Kilbroney Cemetery.
