ULSTER GAA has lost “a gentleman of highest integrity and a giant of Ulster GAA” following the death of chief executive and secretary Danny Murphy.
The Burren clubman served as head of the provincial council for 16 years and had the unique distinction of being the only person to have held the roles of Ulster Council secretary and president at the same time.
His first involvement with Ulster Council was in 1981 when he was appointed as Down county board’s delegate and in the intervening 35 years, he held every officership, serving as treasurer (1986-1994), vice president (1995-1997) and president (1998-2001).
A former playing member with St Mary’s, Burren, he also hurled for both Rostrevor and Warrenpoint during the later part of his career.
He was a selector with Down when they won the All-Ireland in 1991, having been involved in county management setups from the early 1980s.
Mr Murphy's administrative career began with his appointment to the Down county board as a club delegate.
Very sad news,a great leader & friend who led @UlsterGAA to be the wonderful inclusive organisation it is today. RIP @officialgaa https://t.co/WXP7eLBNu4
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) December 7, 2016
Election to the role of assistant secretary of Down followed in the early ‘80s and he continued on this path, ultimately becoming Chairman of the Down county board in 1990.
Earlier this year, he announced that he would retire from his position as head of Ulster GAA next February.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Danny Murphy. A true gael in every sense of the word. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— Anto Finnegan (@AFinn73) December 7, 2016
Ulster Council president Michael Hasson said: "Danny was an outstanding leader who provided unstinting dedication to the GAA in Ulster for over 35 years. His contribution to every aspect of the GAA, from his initial involvement with St Mary’s GAC, Burren, his beloved County Down and his immense commitment to Comhairle Uladh brought unprecedented success to every unit of the Association he was involved in.
"It was very fitting that Danny’s leadership was honoured earlier this year by the First Minister, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness at Stormont in recognition of his efforts in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and respect across all communities.’’
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said, “Danny Murphy was a giant in the world of Gaelic games, both in Ulster and across the globe. He was an outstanding administrator, and a man of integrity and of vision. He was a great Irishman.’
In Commons @ConorMcGinn talks movingly about the life and work of Danny Murphy of the GAA who has died.
— Stephen Walker (@StepWalkTV) December 7, 2016
“Danny was a quiet warrior, a man who got things done without fuss, a man who brought people along with him. His fingerprints are all over everything that is great about the GAA in Ulster and further afield.’
Mr Murphy continued to dedicate his life’s work to the GAA despite suffering from cancer in recent years.
Tributes began to pour in online this morning, with Derry GAA tweeting: “Danny Murphy RIP. A Gael, a gentleman of highest integrity and a giant of Ulster GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Former Ulster Council employee Ryan Feeney said: “Danny Murphy RIP he believed in contributing & giving the best of himself to others, that is the way he lived, that is what he leaves us.”
Ulster Rugby added: “Sad news this morning! Our thoughts and prayers are with Danny Murphy's family and our friends at @UlsterGAA”
Very sorry to hear of passing of Danny Murphy of Ulster GAA. Knew him from a previous career. @UlsterGAA
— Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) December 7, 2016
