Galway Bay fm newsroom – A minute’s silence has been observed by Galway County Council at its meeting in Abbeyknockmoy today for former GAA president Joe McDonagh.
Councillors from across the political divide paid tribute to the Ballinderreen native who passed away on Friday at the age of 62.
Joe McDonagh was the president of the Association between 1997 and 2000 and won an All-Ireland Hurling Championship with Galway in 1980.
Speaking at this afternoon’s meeting, Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Hoade said ‘we have lost one of the greatest ambassadors the county ever had’.
Her colleague Cllr Michael Connolly said everyone knew Joe McDonagh, and everybody loved him.
Cllr Connolly added that he risked his presidency of the GAA in trying to change Rule 21 – which had banned members of the British security forces from membership of the GAA.
Cllr Seán O Tuarisg praised Joe McDonagh’s role in education especially his support of courses on the Aran Islands.
Cllr Michael Fahy said that in 100 years time, Joe McDonagh will be remembered along side Liam Mellows as an ‘outstanding son of County Galway’.
Chief Executive of the County Council Kevin Kelly described Joe McDonagh as ‘an exceptional individual in the areas of education, administration, GAA and the Irish language.
Cathaoirleach Peter Roche held a minute’s silence to remember Joe McDonagh at the county council meeting at The Abbey Inn, Abbeyknockmoy today.
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