Tributes have been paid to Armagh sport legend Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly, who passed away on Monday following a lengthy battle with Dementia.
The Armagh Harps clubman was part of the famous 1977 Armagh team who reached the All-Ireland final.
Unfortunately for the Orchard Men, they came up short against a Jimmy Keaveney-inspired Dublin side with his tally of 2-6 helping the Dubs lift Sam Magurie with a 5-12 to 3-6 victory at Croke Park.
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Daly’s ’77 teammate Joe Kernan, who scored two goals in the decider, would go on to manage Armagh to their historic 2002 All-Ireland success.
Remarkably, Daly would also become a county colleague of another All-Ireland winning manager, playing alongside Mickey Harte after transferring allegiances to Tyrone.
Indeed, he made his debut for the Red Hands against Monaghan in 1980 in what was Art McRory’s first game in charge of Tyrone and he featured against his native county in that year’s Ulster SFC final with the Orchard Men winning 4-10 to 4-7 in Clones.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Armagh Harps said: “The Club was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of our former player Sean “Dingle” Daly.
“Dingle was recognised throughout the island for his outstanding footballing ability for Harps and Armagh. He was an integral member of the team that reached the '77 All Ireland final.
“Sincerest condolences to his daughters Nichola, Shauna and Louise and his sons John ('Dingle' Junior our current Senior team goalkeeper) and Connor. Sympathies also to the extended family and his many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Daly was also a hugely respected coach and former player at Armagh City FC and helped form the youth section at the club.
He made almost 300 appearances for Armagh City, scoring 65 goal and the club said his passing will leave “a massive void” at Holm Park.
Club chairman Aidan Murphy added: "I knew Sean from the time he arrived at the club and I must say that he was a tremendous ambassador for the club both on and off the field.
“He has been greatly missed at the club since he became ill and his passing will leave an even greater void.
“Not only have the club lost one of our all-time greats but I have personally lost a friend. My thoughts and those of all at the club are with his family at this sad time. RIP Sean.”
Sean Daly’s funeral mass will take place at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh City on Wednesday, January 11 at 11am.
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