Statement by President Higgins on the death of Joe McDonagh.
Date: Sat 21st May, 2016 | 10:14
President Higgins today sent his sympathies to the family of former President of the GAA, Joe McDonagh.
In a statement he said:
"I have learned with great sadness of the passing at such a young age of former GAA President, Joe McDonagh.
Joe was a giant in the world of Gaelic games, both as a player and a leader in the Organisation of the GAA. He had an enormous commitment to the Irish language, which he spoke beautifully, and showed great leadership in the development of the language over the course of a long career in the GAA.
As the CEO of the VEC, he was also an outstanding educationalist - he made a significant contribution to vocational education, pioneering a number of innovative projects to the benefit of many young people in his country.
Joe will be sorely missed by his sporting colleagues, his community, and in particular by his very wide range of family and friends.
Those of us fortunate enough to know him will never forget this outstanding man and sportsman.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."