GAA president Jarlath Burns has extended his sympathies on behalf of the Association to the family and friends of former Offaly hurler Padraig Horan.

The Faithful County’s All-Ireland SHC winning captain from 1981 passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76 following a long battle with illness.

A powerful full-forward, Horan famously skippered Offaly to their first ever Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph 45 years ago and, during what was a distinguished playing career, the St Rynagh’s clubman won two All-Ireland titles and four Leinster SHC titles, as well as an All-Star award.

Horan’s managerial career saw him steering his native county to the National Hurling League crown in 1991 before going on to guide Birr to a maiden All-Ireland senior club championship triumph in 1995.

Speaking to GAA.ie, Burns paid tribute to the former Offaly captain with the following remarks: “Padraig Horan occupies a special place in the history of Offaly hurling as the man who captained the county to its first All-Ireland title in 1981, a landmark achievement that transformed hurling in the Faithful County,” said Burns.

“He was an outstanding player whose leadership and determination inspired those around him, and he added further distinction to a remarkable career by winning a second All-Ireland medal in 1985.

“His love of Gaelic Games continued long after his playing days through his work as a coach and manager, helping to develop future generations of players and making a lasting contribution to his club, his county and our Association.

“On behalf of the GAA, I extend my sincere sympathies to his wife Carmel, daughter Niamh, sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid, the extended Horan family, everyone in St Rynagh's GAA Club, Offaly GAA and his many friends.

“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam Dilis.”

Offaly GAA also paid tribute by describing the late Horan as one of the county’s greatest hurlers.

“Offaly GAA is in mourning today with the passing of one of its greatest hurlers,” the statement read. “A leader on and off the field, when Padraig Horan captained Offaly, in their 2-12 to 0-15 win over Galway, on that famous first Sunday in the All-Ireland Final in September 1981, he became the first Offaly man in the history of the GAA to do so. And it was only fitting that Padraig should be the man to lead Offaly on that occasion. Over a long and illustrious career with the Faithful County Padraig had seen as much defeat as only player and in fact was in the twilight of his career when that famous day arrived.

“While Padraig will be remembered by most as a robust, scoring full-forward he started out his inter-county career as a defender against Waterford in the 1969 National Hurling league, and it was not until 1978 that he moved to the full-forward berth, having gained Provincial recognition in the pivotal role in defence. During his distinguished inter-county career he won 2 All-Ireland senior hurling medals (1981 & 85), 4 Leinster Senior Championship medals (1980, 81, 84, & 85) as well as Walsh Cup and Railway Cup medals. He was honoured by the All-Star selectors in 1985 and received B & I player of the month awards in March 1977 and September 1985. Padraig lined out at full-forward in the 2-11 to 1-12 win over Galway in the 1985 All-Ireland decider and contributed 0-3 on that occasion. Padraig retired from the Inter county scene following Offaly's Leinster final defeat by Kilkenny in 1986 and from the club scene the following year.

“On the club scene he won 10 Offaly senior hurling Championship medals, 1968 to 1981, including a record equalling 5 in a row 1972-76, captaining the side on two occasions 1974 & 1981. During this period St Rynagh's were also to the fore on the Leinster Club scene, winning the inaugural Provincial title in 1971 before losing the first All-Ireland decider to Roscrea. Padraig went on to win further Provincial honours with his club in 1973 and 1983 but unfortunately never got that elusive All-Ireland club medal, suffering a heart breaking defeat by Loughiel after a replay in 1983.

“He was also a footballer of some ability and captained the St Rynagh's minor football team to victory over Tullamore in the 1968 county final. While in 1971 he won a Leinster U21 medal and is also the holder of an O'Byrne Cup medal. In fact Padraig was a member of the Offaly Senior football squad in 1971, but opted out to concentrate on hurling. While that decision may have seemed a bad one at the time (Offaly footballers winning All-Ireland titles in 1971 & 72) it was to have its reward 10 years later.

“After ending his playing days Padraig was very much involved at managerial level. In 1985/86 he guided Birr Community School to their first Leinster and All-Ireland titles, defeating the fames North Mon. of Cork in the All-Ireland final. He was manager of the Offaly Senior and U21 teams in 1991 & 1992 and guided the county to its only National League success in May 1991, while the U21's won two Provincial titles in that period. He also guided Birr to All-Ireland club glory in 1995 with an emphatic win over Dunloy of Antrim after a replay. He also managed Laois Senior Hurlers from 1997 to 2000 and Offaly U21 Hurlers 2007 and 2008, reaching Leinster finals in both years. He managed St Rynagh’s from 2000 to 2003 and again in 2006.

“He was inducted into the and Offaly GAA Hall of Fame in 2006 and GAA Hall of Fame in 2017

“Padraig Horan will always be remembered as a true legend of Offaly GAA and our deepest sympathies go to his wife Carmel, daughter Niamh, sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid, extended family, St Rynagh’s GAA club and his many friends. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam Dilis.”

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