Hurling & Camogie

Tributes flood in for Ballygalget stalwart Seamus McGrattan

Former GAA president Nickey Brennan presenting Ballygalget stalwart Seamus McGrattan with a national award
Former GAA president Nickey Brennan presenting Ballygalget stalwart Seamus McGrattan with a national award Former GAA president Nickey Brennan presenting Ballygalget stalwart Seamus McGrattan with a national award

ULSTER and Down GAA recently lost one of its hardest working officials following the passing of Ballygalget stalwart Seamus McGrattan.

Expressing their condolences the Down county board said that the entire family that is Down GAA were saddened to learn of his death.

Many tributes were also extended via social media with leading GAA Ulster Council officer Stephen McGeehan saying that Seamus had represented GAA with distinction for many years.

``Sad news on death of Ulster GAA first full-time Development Officer Seamus McGrattan,'' he Tweeted.

``Hard working, determined Gael, loved hurling and was a very proud Ballygalget and Down GAA man. Represented GAA with distinction for many years. Sincere condolences.''

The Down county board said that Seamus was an excellent administrator and secretary of the Down Hurling Board from 1972 until 1977 before going on to serve as Ulster Hurling Development Officer.

He was also a referee who officiated at county finals.

Former leading Ulster Council officer, now head of Engagement at Queen’s University in Belfast, Ryan Feeney said that he was ``sad to hear of the passing of Seamus McGrattan.

``Seamus served Ulster GAA with distinction as the first ever Hurling Development Officer, always a proud Down GAA man and great company. His legacy is large and he will be missed.''

Ulster Council's Jimmy Darragh also offered his condolences to the family of ``my former colleague and friend and a great lover of hurling.''

Down GAA added: ``Seamus's time as Runaí Coiste Iomana (Hurling Committee secretary) coincided with the term as chairman of the hurling committee of his father Paddy, a situation that would not be equalled too often at county level today,'' said a Down official.

``A man who was a true gael, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Anna, his children Killian, Moira and Brendan.

``To the gaels of Ballygalget we offer our sympathies on the loss of a club stalwart.

``Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.''