Ulster GAA President, Michael Hasson has offered sincere condolences on behalf of Ulster GAA to the family of their esteemed Secretary/CEO Danny Murphy who passed away this morning after a courageous battle with illness.

"It was with profound sadness that we learnt of Danny's passing early today. We know that this sorrow is felt by all Gaels in Ulster, Ireland and throughout the wider GAA world.

"On my own behalf as President of the Ulster Council, on behalf of my fellow officers, members and staff of Comhairle Uladh, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the Murphy and extended family circle.

"Danny was an outstanding leader who provided unstinting dedication to the GAA in Ulster for over 35 years. His contribution to every aspect of the GAA, from his initial involvement with St Mary's GAC, Burren, his beloved County Down and his immense commitment to Comhairle Uladh brought unprecedented success to every unit of the Association he was involved in.

"It was very fitting that Danny's leadership was honoured earlier this year by the First Minister, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness at Stormont in recognition of his efforts in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and respect across all communities.''

Danny Murphy's funeral mass will take place on Saturday 10th December at 12 noon in St Mary's Church, Burren. Further funeral arrangements to follow.

Down GAA have issued the following statement: 

Danny Murphy RIP - Outstanding servant to Burren, Down, Ulster and to the GAA

Coiste Chontae an Dúin and everyone associated with Down GAA are saddened this morning to hear of the death of Danny Murphy.

Danny was an outstanding servant to Burren, Down, Ulster and to the GAA as a whole.

Danny Murphy gave a lifetime of service to the GAA at all levels. He took pride in playing our games, representing Burren as a goalkeeper and in his hurling days with Rostrevor and Warrenpoint.  His commitment to the Association meant that when his playing career finished, it was a natural step for Danny to become involved as an administrator, firstly with his club Burren, then with Down and onwards to his outstanding service and leadership to Ulster GAA.

As an administrator with Down GAA, Danny Murphy was without equal. He served as County Assistant Secretary, acting as Fixtures Secretary where he first developed his encyclopaedic knowledge of the rule book.  He progressed to serve as Down delegate to the Ulster Council, a path that would eventually take him to the Presidency and office of CEO of the Provincial Council.

In 1991 Danny Murphy was elected County Chairman and had an immediate impact. Here he displayed his attributes as a true leader, making the tough calls and prepared to deliver on them.  There is no doubt that Danny's leadership as County Chairman was a key factor in our All Ireland success of 1991. There are several iconic images of Danny captured during that year, including one during the All Ireland Semi Final against Kerry when he acted as a stretcher bearer in Croke Park for the injured Peter Withnell.

That image typified Danny - no task was beyond him.  Through his distinguished career, he would never ask anyone to do something that he wasn't prepared to do himself.

Danny Murphy played a key role with many Down teams over decades.  As well as serving as an U21 manager at one stage, he was part of the senior management team with his great friend James McCartan that guided Down to a National League title in 1983.  Having finished his term as County Chairman in 1994, he joined Pete McGrath's management team as a selector as they led their county to a fifth All-Ireland success.

As Provincial Secretary, Danny was a source of support and guidance to clubs and officers in Down.  He always displayed a great affection for his native county and his wisdom and knowledge were invaluable to all who encountered him or called on his guidance. We were very proud of Danny and all of his achievements.

Down County Chairman Sean Rooney said that today that "the GAA has lost a great leader and Down has lost one of our favourite sons.  Danny was a Burren man and a Down man; one of our own, who always gave of his very best for the Association.  He served at all levels with great distinction and the impact of his service and leadership as well as his legacy will be evident within and beyond the GAA."

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

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