GAA star’s legacy lives on after family donates organs

THE family of a Leitrim GAA star who died last night has ensured his legacy will live on by donating his organs.

Philip ‘Philly’ McGuinness, aged 26, who played football and hurling for his county, died two days after receiving a bang to the head during a club game.

Mr McGuinness, a mechanical engineer in Belmullet, Co Mayo, collapsed on the pitch, where his brothers Michael and John were also playing, and never regained consciousness.

Sports Minister Mary Hanafin said: “This accident is a tragedy for Philip’s family, friends and team-mates, and I want to offer my condolences at this difficult time for them all.

GAA bosses led tributes to the young inter-county footballer, with GAA president Christy Cooney describing his passing “as untimely as it is tragic”. He said: “I extend my deepest sympathies to his immediate family and to the wide circle of friends and players he came into contact with.”

A spokesman for the Leitrim GAA board extended the sympathies of all Leitrim’s gaels.

“‘Philly’, as he was known, was the ultimate team player, talented, dedicated and above all loyal. His death has had a profound effect in Leitrim GAA circles,” the spokesman said.

A book of condolences has been opened on the Leitrim GAA website.

The Gaelic Players Association chief executive Dessie Farrell said: “I know players everywhere are in a state of shock after learning that Philip lost his brave battle and our thoughts are with his family.”

A postmortem will be held today. Mr McGuinness is expected to be buried on Thursday.