Down's two-time All-Ireland winner McKay dies

McKay was an All-Ireland winner with Down in 1960 and 1961

Eddie McKay, Down's two-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper who has been called one of the county's greatest footballers, has died.

Dundrum man McKay was in goal for Down's 1960 triumph when they beat Kerry in the final and the following year when they edged Offaly to retain the Sam Maguire Cup.

McKay made his Down debut against Donegal in 1957 and helped the Mournemen win their first Ulster SFC title two years later.

After helping Down retain their provincial title in 1960, McKay was between the posts for the All-Ireland final in which they beat Kerry 2-10 to 0-8 to become the first team to bring Sam Maguire north of the border.

McKay also started the 1961 All-Ireland final win and made his last championship appearance for Down the following year.

After his playing days, he went on to manage the Dundrum senior team as well as Downpatrick and Longstone.

In tribute to McKay, Down GAA said "he was the man who often stood between defeat and victory".

"He produced heroics when they were needed, but more often than not, he was just solid, he did his job, he kept the goal clear, he was steady, brave and courageous, he was humble, a man who never sought the limelight, but a man who played a key role in ensuring that the men of 1960 and 61, would rightly take their places in the annals of the greats of Gaelic Games."

'His achievements were legendary'

Dundrum GAC said McKay's contribution to their history was "long and storied".

"His contribution on and off the field was immense. A leading light, he will go down as one of the greats of Down football.

"Our club and county have lost a hero that inspired generations of footballers. His achievements were legendary."

Speaking to the GAA last year, television presenter and Down's former All-Ireland minor winner Paddy Kielty noted McKay as one of his main sporting influences.

"He was from Dundrum and he was the guy who got me into being the goalkeeper," said Kielty.

"He gave me my senior start and I played senior football for Dundrum whenever I was 15."