FORMER Tyrone GAA chairman Pat Darcy was last night praised for his "insight and intellect" following his death after a short illness.
Mr Darcy, who was in his mid-seventies and from Tattyreagh, served as chairman from 2004 to 2009 - a period when the county won two All-Ireland senior championships and a minor title.
He was later also Tyrone's representative on the Ulster Council and was chairman of Tyrone Camogie until his death.
A key member of Tattyreagh GAC, he managed the senior team for almost a decade, overseeing its promotion to intermediate football in the late 1990s.
Mr Darcy, known as Packie, was a former Professor of Nursing at the then University of Ulster and wrote several books on nursing and mental health.
He was also a high-profile campaigner for the A5 road scheme linking Derry with the border at Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone.
Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff said he was a "distinguished gentleman, possessed of insight and intellect".
"The GAA was massive in his life, including his beloved Tattyreagh GAC."
He said Mr Darcy was also a respected academic who had a strong interest in Irish politics.
"I keep meeting nurses who have said Pat was a brilliant lecturer and mentor," he said.
"He was a personal friend of mine. As an MLA and now as an MP I often asked him for advice and wise counsel."
In a statement on its website, Tyrone GAA said it was saddened by Mr Darcy's death.
"Pat made an indelible mark on the association throughout his life, through his decades long service to the Tattyreagh St Patrick’s club as well as his major contributions to his county and at provincial level."
Mr Darcy is survived by his daughters Claire, Sarah and Louise, son Sean, grandchildren and wider family circle.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church in Omagh at 10am tomorrow.
