Dan McCartan: Down three-time All-Ireland winner dies at 84

McCartan won three All-Ireland titles with Down

Three-time All-Ireland winning Down defender Dan McCartan has died at 84.

McCartan lifted the Sam Maguire with Down in 1960, 1961 and 1968, as well as winning eight Ulster Championships with the Mourne men.

He also collected three National League titles and four Railway Cup medals during his illustrious inter-county career.

At club level, McCartan played for Glenn and Tullylish, before seeing his career out with Carryduff.

He continued to play for the club into his 50s, and played along his son Mark, who also won an All-Ireland title with Down in 1991.

McCartan's starred at centre half-back and full-back for the Mourne County.

After retiring from inter-county football in 1976, McCartan acted as a selector for Down in 1978 as they won an Ulster Championship, and in 1983 when they won a league title.

In a statement, Down GAA said, "We are saddened to learn of the death of an icon of Down football Dan McCartan, All-Ireland medal winner in 1960, 61 and 68.

"Dan gave outstanding service to his county. He made a difference to the lives of many, those whom he played with and those he would go on to coach.

"He was a passionate and proud Down man, who at all times gave of his best in any task that he undertook.

"The present generation of Down footballers are inheritors of a great tradition that began with men like Dan McCartan. Indeed a wonderful legacy, in club and county has been left by a great man."