SEAN Harte was named ‘Irishman of the Year’ in Canada for 2023 and that was a fitting tribute to a man whose tireless work over many years in Canadian GAA impacted on so many people in that country.
A native of Loughmacrory in county Tyrone, Sean took ill at the Toronto GAA convention three weeks ago and sadly passed away at the weekend. He was an icon of the GAA in Canada, twinning partner of Ulster GAA and was current secretary of the Canadian County Committee and a former chairperson.
“It’s so sad and he’s a big loss, a massive loss, to the GAA in Canada and to the GAA family,” said Ulster GAA secretary Brian McAvoy.
“Sean was the mastermind behind numerous GAA tours to Toronto. Canada is a vast country and the various divisions have their own competitions but last year they had their first-ever all-Canada championships. That was Sean’s brainchild so he has left a very good legacy.
“It’s so sad for his family and we send our deepest sympathy to his wife Noelle and his children Justin and Catherine. We also express our condolences to Canada GAA, the Toronto Divisional Board and his clubs also. We remember also his family and friends in his native Loughmacrory and his many friends and acquaintances across the GAA family.”
In a statement the Loughmacrory club expressed their shock and extended their sympathy to Sean's family.
"He was a true Gael, a loyal and faithful clubman and he will be sorely missed in Loughmacrory," read the statement.
Sadly, Ulster GAA lost two other stalwarts over the weekend and Brian McAvoy added: “After the tragic events on the Newry-Armagh Road in the early hours of Saturday morning we’re devastated with the loss of Patrick Grimley and we wish those who are still hospitalised well and we hope they make a full recovery.
“And condolences also to the Williamson family in Rostrevor after Tony passed away. It was a very sad weekend for GAA in Ulster.”
