'A great coach, mentor and man': Legendary Irish athletics coach John McDonnell dies

John McDonnell received National Coach of the Year honours 30 times in his career as well as 49 conference coaching honours.

John McDonnell received National Coach of the Year honours 30 times in his career as well as 49 conference coaching honours.

John McDonnell, the Irishman who became the most successful coach in US collegiate history, has died at the age of 82. The Mayo native – who steered the University of Arkansas to an astonishing 40 NCAA team championships – passed away peacefully on Monday in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

In his 36-year coaching career in the NCAA, McDonnell established a legacy of success unrivalled across the sporting spectrum. He received National Coach of the Year honours 30 times in his career as well as 49 conference coaching honours.