Down mourns Joe Lennon

Down mourns Joe Lennon

30 November 2016

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Down All-Ireland-winning captain Joe Lennon who passed away last week aged 81.

The Aghaderg legend was at the helm when Down beat Kerry at Croke Park in 1968 and he was also in the history making teams of 1960 and 1961 when the Red and Blacks dominated Gaelic football in Ireland.

He made his county debut in the 1956 season and was in midfield on the historic breakthrough team of 1960 where he partnered Jarlath Carey. In 1961 he again partnered Carey at midfield as Down overcame Offaly to retain the Sam Maguire.

But perhaps his proudest moment came in 1968 when he walked up the Hogan Stand steps to collect the Sam Maguire Cup as team captain.

Lennon retired from the inter county scene in 1970, his last appearance at Croke Park coming in the 1970 League final against Mayo.

In an illustrious playing career he won three senior All-Irelands, three National Football League titles, seven Ulster Championships and four Railway Cup medals with Ulster.

In 1980 Lennon answered the call to manage Down and led the team to an Ulster title in 1981 when they beat Armagh in Clones before losing to Offaly in the All-Ireland semi-finals. 

Down legend Paddy Doherty described Lennon as an outstanding player.

”He was very cool, very cultured and played an integral part in the team’s success in the 1960s,” Doherty said.

“He was a superb team player and he took immense pride in representing Down and bringing success to the county.”

Sean O’Neill, another of Lennon’s team-mates, said: “Joe did all he could to get the very best out of himself, that was just the kind of man he was.

“He set very high standards and he would settle for nothing less from those around him. Really, he set the standard for those Down teams in terms of focus and determination,” he added.

“Any young players coming on to the panel quickly realised that Joe was to be listened to. He was quick to make sure things were done properly,” he added.

Colm McAlarney, a member of the Down 1968 side, said: “Joe was like a patriarchal figure to that group. We were young players coming in, sharing a dressing room with our heroes from when we were children.

“I was 12 when Down made that historic breakthrough in 1960 so all those players were trailblazers.”

Down GAA chairman Sean Rooney also paid tribue. ”Joe Lennon was an iconic figure in Gaelic games not just in Down, but throughout Ireland. 

“He was a man who gave great service to the county as both player and manager and as an All-Ireland winning captain. He will always have a special place in the annals of Down GAA.”

GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “Joe Lennon was an influential figure within the GAA.

“He was part of an iconic Down team that ushered in a new era in the GAA in terms of style on and off the pitch.

“In many ways it represented a new departure for our games. He was a pioneering figure in the area of coaching, setting new standards in the area of thought and training around our games.

“He was an engaging figure and totally immersed in the GAA and in Gaelic football in particular.

“We pass on our sympathies to his family and friends on behalf of the GAA as a whole.”

Ulster Council president Michael Hasson paid tribute to Lennon’s longevity as a player and his contribution to Gaelic games.

“To have played at the highest level for over a decade and win three All-Ireland medals in the process, speaks volumes for Joe’s commitment and dedication,” he said.

Joe Lennon was laid to rest in Moorechurch Cemetery, in Stamullen, Co Meath, where played for many years after moving to Gormanstown College as a teacher.

He is survived by his wife Ann, sons Kieran, Darren and Neil, grandchildren Conor, Eoin, Ian and Ross and great grandson Noah.

A minute’s silence was observed in his memory before Sunday’s Ulster Club Football Championship final between Kilcoo and Slaughtneil in Armagh.