A GAA club in Co. Sligo is in mourning after one of its most dedicated members died unexpectedly.

Many tributes have been paid to Easkey GAA player and coach Brendan McGrath who was in his 27th year of playing adult football with the club. Indeed, he scored four points in their League victory over Geevagh last Friday.

The father-of-two won three county IFC titles with his beloved club, captaining them in 2010, and also won an All-Ireland JFC medal with Sligo in 2010.

More recently, he was involved as an underage mentor and carried out improvement works at the Easkey GAA grounds.

He is survived by his wife Dayna, sons Finn and Tadhg.

In a heartfelt tribute, Easkey GAA posted on Facebook: "It is with deep shock and a heavy heart that we, as a club, committee members, players and entire community learned of the heartbreaking news on the sad passing of our senior player, coach and dear friend Brendan McGrath.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dayna, his son's Finn and Tadgh and all of the McGrath, Flannelly and Byrne families

"Brendan was a long serving senior player, making his senior debut in 1998 and was currently playing in his 27th year of senior football including kicking 4 points on Friday evening's win over Geevagh. He excelled as an underage player, leading the team to u16, minor and u21 titles, along with winning an All Ireland Vocational Schools title.

"Brendan had an instant impact at senior level, helping the team to reach the senior final in 1999, before going on to win 3 intermediate titles, including captaining the team to the intermediate title in 2010 and was also part of our Connacht and Sligo Junior winning team that reached Croke Park. He also won an All Ireland Junior title with Sligo in 2010.

"Brendan was also a truly dedicated clubman, he was a coach for our u7 and u9 teams, volunteered to help out with works to our club grounds and was always on the other end of the phone when we needed his advice or expertise. His passion and love for football and the club was incomparable.

"He will be sadly missed by all in Easkey GAA

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Tweet

Most Read Stories