Death of Down football great Tony Hadden
August 11, 2025
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 team that won back-to-back Sam Maguires in 1960 and ’61 has been severed with the passing of legendary forward Tony Hadden.
The Newry Shamrocks clubman passed away over the weekend, with Down GAA leading the tributes.
"He was part of a team that made history, yet Tony never sought headlines or fanfares. For Tony, it was about giving,” a heartfelt county board statement read.
"He gave of his time, his energy, his commitment and his knowledge, to try and make a difference, to make Down Football better and to have success. We in Down GAA were privileged to have Tony Hadden in our midst.
"He was a man who spanned the generations and had a great affinity with people of all ages. He was widely respected throughout the game, always a gentleman who never forgot his roots.
"He was a proud Newry Man, a proud Shamrocks Man and a proud Down Man. Tony was one of those men who helped make us the proud people that we are.
"When we think of Tony Hadden, we think of greatness and we also think of humility, for he sought only to give of his best for his family, his Club and his County. A truly great Gael who we are proud to say was one of our own.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to Tony’s Wife Carolyn, his many nieces and nephews, the entire Hadden family circle and to the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks at this sad time."
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