Former GAA president and Monaghan native Seán McCague has passed away at the age of 77.
The Scotstown man held the role of GAA president for three years between 2000 and 2003. During his time at the helm of the association, he oversaw the abolition of Rule 21 which prevented British Army and police officers from becoming GAA members.
He became the first Monaghan man to be President of the GAA when he took the job after Joe McDonagh's spell in charge. Along with the abolition of Rule 21, McCague was in charge of the association when the qualifiers system was implemented in the All Ireland Senior Football Championship.
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Before getting involved in the administrative side of the sport, McCague was a successful club manager and won a Monaghan senior title with Scotstown in 1974, which was a first title for the club since the early 1960s.
The county job came calling and McCague solidified his status as a drought ender by bringing the Anglo-Celtic cup back to Monaghan in 1979, a first title success for the Farney county in 41 years. Further Ulster titles were won with Monaghan in 1985 and 1988, along with a National League triumph in 1985.
Seán McCague is survived by his wife Bernie and daughters Paula, Nuala, Martha, Freda and Emma.
"Very sad news today with the passing of proud Scotstown man Seán McCague. Seán served both Monaghan and the GAA as President with dedication and commitment. My condolences to his family and the wider GAA community," said Cavan, Monaghan and North Meath TD Heather Humphreys
Fianna Fail TD Shane Cassells posted: "Very sad news that former GAA president Seán McCague has died. A reforming president who 21 years ago was at the helm when rule 21 was deleted. My sympathy to all his family. A great GAA & Irish man."
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