Write a commentLocal politicians and GAA figures have paid tribute to Danny Murphy from Grinan , former Ulster Council Secretary for the GAA, who passed away today in Daisy Hill Hospital at just 67 years of age.
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The GAA have lost a tireless worker who spent much of his life working for and supporting the organisation in one way or another.
His role in the Ulster Council began in 1981 when he was elected as Down delegate to the Ulster Council and in the intervening 35 years he has held every position – Treasurer (1986-1994), Vice President (1995-1997) and President (1998-2001).
He was a former chairman of Down County Committee as well as a former Vice President of the GAA. As a player he played football for St Mary's Burren in the 60's and hurling for both Rostrevor and Warrenpoint in the 70's and 80's.
Former Armagh player and now 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.’
“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.’
“He was Provincial Secretary during Ulster’s glory days, and Ulster clubs and counties flourished under his leadership. Danny had a great vision for the association and its future development in Ulster, and was doggedly determined to deliver strategically on that vision. He was instrumental to ensuring the Ulster GAA set up its permanent home in Armagh City.
“Such was his dedication, I met him just a few short weeks ago in Stormont, with his Ulster GAA colleagues.
“Danny will be greatly missed by all who knew him and I send my sympathies to his family and to his colleagues, his former teammates, and his friends near and wide for they have lost a great Gael.’
Commenting on the loss Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady said "On behalf of the people of Newry & Armagh I extend sincerest sympathies to the family, friends and his fellow gaels of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
Danny Murphy was a committed GAA activist all his life and his various roles throughout that packed life has helped not only the Association but our communities in general" said the Sinn Féin MP.
His colleague Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy echoing the MPs comments said "I am genuinely sorry to learn of the death of Danny.His leadership, vision, dedication and integrity earned the highest of respect from us all. He also worked in a quiet but focused way to help in the areas of reconciliation and healing. He will be widely missed by us all. Deepest sympathies to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam"
Gaa President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl added “Danny Murphy was one of the most experienced and influential administrators in the GAA.
“He led the GAA in Ulster from the front during a period of great transition and his subtlety and understanding stood the GAA in Ulster – and indeed further afield in good stead for many, many years.
“I had the good fortune to work alongside him in my time with the Ulster Council and saw first-hand the energy and diligence that he brought to his role.
“He fought his illness stoically and was active in his work for Ulster GAA until recently, not least on the Casement Park project.
“On behalf of the wider GAA family I offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and club and his wide circle of friends, both inside and outside GAA circles.”
Mr Murphy will be buried after 12pm Requiem Mass on Saturday at St Mary's Church, Burren.
