Joe McDonagh, Former President of GAA has sadly passed away after a short illness.

Joe who had recently retired as CEO of the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board last year, had a long involvement with the GAA as both a player and an administrator, culminating in him serving as President of the Association from 1997 to 2000. Joe represented his native Galway, capturing an All Ireland Senior Hurling medal in 1980, a National League Medal(1975),  Two Interprovincial Medals with Connacht and a Fitzgibbon Cup with UCG in 1977.

In retirement from playing, Joe became involved in the administrative affairs of the GAA, he gave his time to the GAA at local, provincial and National level and was a renowned orator and was fluent in the Irish language. Joe was leas Uachtarainn of Comhairle Chonnacht prior to serving as GAA president between 1997 and 2000.  Joe will be remembered for the passion and energy he brought to activities. Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail has offered condolences on behalf of the Association to Joe’s family and he said that  Joe had ‘left an indelible mark on Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’.

Connacht GAA wish to offer our sympathies to his wife Peig, son Eoin and daughters Muireann and Eilis the extended McDonagh family and the wider GAA family. Ar Dheis Lamh De go raibh a anam dilis.