Down great James McCartan snr passes away
August 14, 2021
James McCartan and his father James McCartan Snr (centre) speak with Paddy 'Mo' Doherty, captain of the 1961 Down All Ireland winning team, at the Iconic Event to Celebrate the Down All Ireland winning teams of 1960 and 1961 Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Presseye/Mark Pearce
Down football legend James McCartan snr has passed away.
One of the Mourne County’s greats, McCartan was part of a trail-blazing Down side which brought the Sam Maguire Cup across the border for the first time in 1960. Kerry were overcome in the final'
The following year the Men from the Mournes retained their crown as Offaly were beaten in front of a record 90,556 attendance at Croke Park.
A man of huge strenght, he was famous for his ability to burst through opposing defences and score match winning goals. James operated from the centre half forward spot and with Sean O Neill at right half and Paddy Doherty, wearing the number 12 jersey, formed what many experts rate as the greatest half forward line in GAA history.
The first man to be named Football of the Year twice, 1960 and again in 61, the Tullylish clubman would also win two National League titles, 1959/60 and 1961/62 and went on to manage his county to a league crown in 1983.
Also on the mould breaking Down side of the early sixties was James' brother Dan who was centre half back on each occasion. Dan reverted to the full back position when the Mournes claimed their third All Ireland title in 1968.
His son James jnr also enjoyed a remarkable inter-county career, winning All-Ireland titles in 1991 and 1994 and, like his father, would enter into management as he steered Down to their last All-Ireland final appearance in 2010.
Down GAA paid tribute to one of its greats with the following statement this afternoon:
"Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the entire GAA community in Down are saddened to learn today of the death of an icon of Down football James McCartan," a statement read.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to James' wife Marie, his daughters Delia and Maria, sons Brian, James, Charlie Pat, Daniel and Eoin, his grandchildren, his brother Dan and sisters Gay, Delia and Eileen.
"Today our GAA world in Down is a poorer place with the loss of a man who was renowned throughout Ireland for his swash buckling style as centre half forward on the Down team of 1960 and 61.
"As part of this iconic double All-Ireland winning team, his became a household name and his football abilities were respected and feared by opponents. He was part of the great half forward line with Seán O Neill and Paddy Doherty that played a key role in the historic breakthrough of 1960."
We are saddened to learn of the passing today of James McCartan snr. He was an iconic figures on one of the greatest teams, winning 2 All Ireland medals and 2 Footballer of the Year Awards. Down GAA extends our sympathy to his wife Marie and his family. pic.twitter.com/YYBplWOv8N
— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) August 14, 2021
TweetTo Ireland he was King James, first man to win Player of the year twice, fulcrum of the great Down teams of the early 60’s but to me he was Uncle James, my godfather. I love you,I’ll miss you and always be grateful for everything you did for me. RIP James McCartan. pic.twitter.com/BoQaWlzrAd
— Mark McCartan 💙 (@MarkMcCartan) August 14, 2021
