Louth and Mattock Rangers GAA have been dealt a sad blow today with the passing of their great stalwart Damien Reid. Damien served club and county tremendously as both a player and coach and will be remembered by all those who knew him as a true gentleman whose contribution to Louth GAA is immeasurable. As a player, he was outstanding for the Wee County in the 'seventies and early 'eighties. His scoring prowess was such that he finished top scorer in the national football league in successive campaigns and the Collon man was also an All Star nominee - an incredible achievement considering that Louth football was hardly setting the world on fire at the time. He represented the Reds at U21 and senior levels and went on to manage Louth at minor and U21 grades. Damien had three years with the U21s and was involved when the Wee County reached their last provincial final - the 1996 Leinster U21 decider against neighbours Meath. With Mattock, Damien Reid was a colossus on and off the field. He captained the Collon men to an intermediate championship in 1982 and played in the senior deciders of 1973 and '76. He went on to manage the club at various levels and was selector for the Joe Ward Cup success of 2005. Damien's brother Sean played alongside him for club and county. His sons David and Adrian have both represented Louth at minor, U21 and senior levels and both have tasted senior championship glory with Mattock under his guidance. A generous man with his time, Damien did not limit his involvement in gaelic games to his own club but also assisted other clubs over the years, including John Mitchells, Sean McDermotts and Baile Talun. He leaves behind him an incredible legacy, many fond memories and a void that will never be filled. Tweet

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