Death of legendary Down goalkeeper Eddie McKay
August 22, 2024
The Down team that won the Sam Maguire Cup in 1960, front l/r: Eamonn McKay, Patsy O Hagan, Paddy Doherty, Kevin Mussen, George Lavery, Tony Hadden, Brian Morgan. Back: James McCartan, Joe Lennon, Jarlath Carey, Leo Murphy, Dan McCartan, Sean O Neill, Kevin O Neill, Pat Rice.
Another link with the trailblazing Down All-Ireland SFC winning teams of 1960 and '61 has been severed with the passing of Eddie McKay.
The Dundrum clubman was goalkeeper on the team that defeated Kerry to bring the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time in 1960, and again in '61 when the Mourne County overcame Offaly in front of a record Croke Park crowd of over 90,000.
A renowned shot-stopper, McKay made his Ulster SFC debut against Donegal in 1957 before helping Down to Anglo-Celt Cup success two years later. He was an integral part of the Dundrum senior team for the best part of a decade before moving to live in Downpatrick.
However, he returned to manage his home club in the 1986, taking them from Division 4 to 2 in the League, having also had spells in charge of Downpatrick and Longstone.
"Eddie’s connection to Dundrum GAC is long and storied. His contribution on and off the field was immense," Dundrum GAC said in a heartfelt tribute.
"A leading light, he will go down as one of the greats of Down football. Our club and county have lost a hero that inspired generations of footballers. His achievements were legendary."
Tweethttps://t.co/6ZayXZeYw8 - A club tribute to the late great Eddie McKay (RIP).
— Dún Droma CLG (@DundrumGAC) August 21, 2024
