FORMER GAA president Seán McCague has died.
The Scotstown native took up the role in 2000 to 2003 and is seen as one of the most influential presidents in the GAA.
He became the first Monaghan man and the 33rd man to hold the office.
McCague first joined the Scotstown committee in 1996 as club secretary and rapidly ascended the ranks to hold the highest position in the GAA, replacing Galway's Joe McDonagh.
He is best remembered for securing funding for the redevelopment of Croke Park and for the removal of Rule 21, which banned members of the British security forces from playing GAA.
The rule was abolished despite the opposition of five of the six northern counties (Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone).
Former GAA president and Monaghan native, Sean McCague has died. He served from 2000 to 2003 and was a former chairman of the Board of Directors of Shannonside/Northern Sound Radio pic.twitter.com/R52iFZfQ1i
— NorthernSound News (@NewsonNS) November 24, 2022
At the annual 2001 GAA Congress, McCague convinced Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to pledge €76 million towards the redevelopment of Croke Park.This amount was later reduced to €38 million.
His tenure didn't just apply off the field. He also led Scotstown to a Monaghan Championship in 1974, which ended a 13-year wait for a title. Three years later he was in charge of Farney County, guiding them to Ulster glory in 1979.
McCague, who also acted as a referee, was Ireland assistant manager to Eugene McGee for the International Rules series meetings in 1987 and 1990.
A statement on RIP.ie read: "The death has occurred of Sean Mc Cague, Stracrunnion, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, Thursday 24th November, peacefully in the loving care of the staff of the Lorgan Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Castleblayney surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Rose and brothers Gabriel and Frankie."
He is survived by his wife Bernie and daughters, Paula, Nuala, Martha, Freda and Emma.
