Many tributes have been paid to former Derry footballer and ladies football manager Patrick O’Donnell following his sudden passing earlier this week.

Originally from Banagher but living in Magherafelt for several years, the father-of-two won an All-Ireland MFC medal with Derry in 1983 before going on to add an Ulster U21FC title three years later. He also played senior championship football for the Oak Leafers and managed both his adopted Magherafelt and the Derry ladies.

Banagher GAC posted online: "It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Patrick O Donnell - a former player and a loyal and dedicated member of our club.

"Patrick was a fine footballer throughout his underage and senior career. In 1983, he won an All-Ireland minor football medal alongside three other Banagher men - Eamon Lynch, Peter Mc Grellis and Liam Mc Grellis. In 1986, he was on the Derry U21 football panel that won the Ulster title.

"In 1991, Patrick made his championship debut for Derry senior footballers at full back against Tyrone in which Derry won that day. Patrick played many years at senior football for Banagher.

"In 1984 and 1995, Patrick won the Dr Kerlin Cup and in 1996 he won the double winning the Division 2 Football League and Dr Kerlin Cup. In 2015, at our 50th Gala celebrations, Patrick was also named on Banagher’s best team over the 50 years."

"Patrick is one of Banagher’s finest men. Always greeting people with a big smile and a word for everyone when he came into Fr McNally Park.

"We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Briege, his daughter’s Emer and Aine and his son in law’s, his parents John and Mary and Sisters Jacqueline, Anne, Sharon, Frances, Shauna, Brenda and Emma, and all the O Donnell family circle at this very sad time.

"Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him."

O’Donovan Rossa GAC in Magherafelt also paid tribute, saying: "Patrick was a former manager of both our senior men and senior ladies teams.

"While he never denied his roots in his beloved Banagher, he was a great friend to many around Rossa Park and that big smile will be remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him."

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