Taoiseach leads tributes on death of Enda Colleran
Mr Ahern said that he was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden death at home on Wednesday of the Galway GAA football star.
President of the GAA Sean Kelly spoke of his sadness at the untimely and early death “of a GAA man” and the massive and grievous loss to a great sporting family.
A retired teacher, Colleran captained the All-Ireland team in 1965 and again in 1966 when they completed the three-in-a-row. Ten years later he managed Galway when they won the Connacht title and failed narrowly to Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Mr Kelly recalled that he had an incredible career, first coming to prominence in 1960, when he won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St. Jarlath’s and an All-Ireland minor medal against Cork.
A native of Moylough, he also won medals in the Sigerson Cup, National League and Railway Cup and was honoured on both the GAA Team of the Century and Team of the Millennium selections.
Liam Sammon, one of his best friends, had played golf with him on Wednesday and met him in his home later.
“It’s a terrible shock,” he said. “He kept himself in fantastic shape. He always looked well. Apart from his football, he was a fantastic character, charismatic and jovial. He was always in good form.’’
Kerry legend Mick O’Dwyer, who recalled playing directly on him a few times, praised him as “a real footballing back” never resorting to foul tactics.
Sports Minister John O’Donoghue extended his deepest sympathy to his family and friends on their great loss. “Teacher, analyst and supreme Gaelic footballer and captain, he was one of only six players to captain his county to two All-Ireland victories. His selection on the Team of the Century and Team of the Millennium was evidence of the quality of his play,’’ said Mr O’Donoghue.
He is survived by his wife Ann, three sons and one daughter.
A brother, Fr Gabriel Colleran, is Parish Priest in Templeogue, in Dublin.
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