The GAA community are in morning after learning of the death James McCartan, a true icon of Down football. James was an integral part of the Down All-Ireland winning teams of 1960 and 1961 and was named Texaco Footballer of the Year for those years. He will always be remembered as part of the great Down half forward line that included other iconic figures such as Seán O’Neill and Paddy Doherty.

James later served as Down manager where his team went on to win a National League title in 1983.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Larry McCarthy, paid tribute to James by saying;

‘It is with great sadness I heard about the loss of James McCartan Senior this weekend. James was a true giant of our games. His exploits on and off the field for Down will be spoken about for generations to come.

‘On behalf of the GAA I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to James’s wife, Marie, his daughters Delia and Maria, his sons Brian, James, Daniel, Charlie Pat, and Eoin, his grandchildren, friends and the Down GAA community.’

In a statement released yesterday, Down County Board paid tribute to James.

‘Today our GAA world in Down is a poorer place with the loss of a man who was renowned throughout Ireland for his swash buckling style as centre half forward on the Down Team of 1960 and 61. As part of this iconic double All-Ireland winning team, his became a household name and his football abilities were respected and feared by opponents.

‘James McCartan was a man who was passionate about Down. He wanted success and he was driven as a player and a manager to seek out success. He would take great pride in the achievements of his sons in the county jersey; they were the third generation to wear the Red and Black and all displayed the qualities of the men who had gone before.

‘James was one of those people who helped make us the proud County that we are today. He was an iconic figure in the annals of Down GAA and was known throughout Ireland by generations of people who marvelled at his exploits on the playing field. Wherever Gaelic Games are played, the name of James McCartan will be synonymous with Down and with a team that brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

‘He was a legend in the true sense of the word, who had the heart of a lion and a football brain second to none. His passing has robbed us one of our greatest sons, someone who loved his football, his county, his club, and most of all his family.

‘We extend our deepest sympathy to James’ wife Marie, his daughters Delia and Maria, sons Brian, James, Daniel, Charlie Pat, and Eoin, his grandchildren, his brother Dan and sisters Gay, Delia and Eileen.’

Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam James.