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Paddy McFlynn (right) pictured earlier this year at the GAA Congress in Derry with President Michael D. Higgins and current GAA President Liam O'Neill. INPHO/Presseye/Lorcan Doherty
RIP

Tributes paid after the death of former GAA President Paddy McFlynn

McFlynn served as President of the GAA 1979 to 1982.

Updated 16.35pm

TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in after the death of former GAA President Paddy McFlynn last night after an illness.

A native of Derry, McFlynn served as GAA President from 1979 to 1982. He was also President of the Ulster Council from 1961 until 1963.

McFlynn was a founding member in his native Derry of the O’Donovan Rossa Magherafelt GAA club at the age of 16. He was also elected as Derry county board secretary at the age of 23 in 1940

Uniquely McFlynn would later go on to be heavily involved in Down GAA having moved to the county to take up a teaching position.

He served as President of the Down county board and was involved in the county with the Tullylish GAA club.

GAA President Liam O’Neill extended his sympathies to McFlynn’s family.

“He was a wise, fatherly figure whose kind presence was noted by so many across all levels of the Association.

“He was keenly involved in our activities right up until the end, not least with the publishing of his book which is an important work given the time span and the events it captures.

“He was erudite, interesting and intelligent man who will be sorely missed by all of those who came across him, not least his family and wide circle of friends and admirers.”

Martin McAviney, the President of Ulster GAA, hailed the contribution of McFlynn to the association.

“Paddy McFlynn was an iconic Ulster and National GAA figure, a GAA giant who had given over 80 years of volunteer service to our Association.

“Always evident was his immense pride in both the O’Donovan Rossa GAA Magherafelt (Derry) where he was a founding member at the age of 16 and his later club Tullylish GAA (Down) where he served as Club President.

“He was also a lifelong Irish language enthusiast who strongly promoted the language throughout the Association in his various roles.

“Paddy McFlynn, however made his greatest contribution in the leadership of the GAA as President from 1979 until 1982. He was in office at a time when the days were difficult but like all other aspects of Paddy’s life he dealt with the challenges faced by the GAA at that time both with courage and courtesy.

“We will miss his wisdom, friendship, advice and leadership but above all we morn the passing of a good man whose integrity and vision leaves a strong legacy for us and the next generation of GAA members”

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

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