Tributes have been paid following the sudden passing of highly-respected Armagh coach John Morrison.
Mr Morrison – a former Armagh GAA senior team selector – passed away this morning (Tuesday).
Armagh Harps, for whom John played for and managed in his time, said the club “was shocked and saddened this morning to learn of the sudden passing of John Morrison – a former player, manager, chairman and Hall of Fame inductee. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Former All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty paid his own tribute, saying: “So sad to hear the shocking news this morning of the passing of a great man and a highly respected coach who helped mould my and countless other footballers‘ careers.
“He will be missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time. RIP John.”
We are saddened to learn of the death of John Morrison, a renowned coach, tutor and friend of Ulster GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/Gc75z8La79
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) February 12, 2019
Councillor Sharon Haughey-Grimley, who also had close connections him through Ulster GAA, said she was “absolutely heartbroken” to hear the news.
She said: “He was a gentleman with a love for life, his family and football.
“He always had a wise word of advice on all sorts of things.
“He always seemed so fit and healthy, him and Maura were such a beautiful couple. He will be missed by so many, my thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family. Rest in Peace Mo Chara.”
Gutted to hear about John Morrison. Just last week he was telling me why every GAA club should be installing a playpark. As per usual he signed off the phone with an awful joke. A great mind and a great man.
— Niall McCoy (@McCoyNiall) February 12, 2019
Former Armagh footballer Steven McDonnell described Morrison as “an absolute gentleman”.
He tweeted: “Sad to hear of the death of John Morrison. An absolute gentleman that taught and coached so many players down through the years. He was always thinking ahead with his ideas.”
A statement from Derry GAA read: “We are saddened to learn of the death of our former senior football coach, John Morrison.
“An inspirational man with a brilliant coaching mind who leaves us with many fond memories. Our thoughts are with John’s family and Armagh Gaels at this time.”
Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said: “I am sorry to learn of the death of John Morrison a highly respected and talented Coach throughout the GAA and indeed the wider world of sport.
