Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail has expressed his condolences on behalf of the Association to the family of Joe Lennon who passed away last night.

Speaking from Dubai on the GAA/GPA Opel All-Stars trip, Uachtarán Ó Fearghail paid tribute to the former Down star who won All-Ireland titles in both 1960 and 1961, before going on to captain the Mourne men to victory over Kerry in the 1968 All-Ireland Football Final.

“Joe Lennon was an influential figure within the GAA. He was part of an iconic Down team that ushered in a new era in the GAA in terms of style on and off the pitch," said Ó Fearghail.

“In many ways it represented a new departure for our games.

“He was a pioneering figure in the area of coaching, setting new standards in the area of thought and training around our games.

“He was an engaging figure and totally immersed in the GAA and in Gaelic football in particular.

“We pass on our sympathies to his family and friends on behalf of the GAA as a whole.  Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam."

Not only was Joe Lennon a great player, he was also one of the deepest thinkers on the game of Gaelic Football.

He spearheaded the establishment of the first national coaching course in Gormanston College over 50 years ago, and his first book, Coaching Gaelic Football for Champions, was a seminal work.

In 2000 he was conferred with a PHD in the field of philosophy of sport for his thesis, 'Towards a philosophy for legislation in Gaelic Games'.

Truly, Joe Lennon was one of the brightest minds in the history of the GAA.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.