Down GAA lead tributes to ‘our favourite son' & two-time All-Ireland winner who was ‘about greater glory' after death
DOWN GAA hailed Tony Hadden as "one of our favourite sons" following the two-time All-Ireland winner's death.
The Newry Shamrocks man passed away on Friday, leaving behind a distinguished and beloved legacy.
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Tony Hadden sadly died
Credit: Sportsfile
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Hadden, centre, won two All-Ireland titles with Down
Credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE
After making his senior debut in 1954, Hannen won two All-Ireland medals (1960 and 1961) and four Ulster titles with Down, in addition to a pair of senior county championships with his club.
The second of those Sam Maguires, in 1961, saw him play much of the game with a concussion.
Hailed as having "given great service" to his county, Hannon was also part of the management team that led Down to their first All-Ireland minor medal in 1977.
He was also selector under Joe Lennon as the Mournemen won the 1981 provincial championship with victory over Armagh in the final.
In an emotional tribute, Down GAA said they were saddened to lose "one of your favourite sons" who "was about the greater glory".
By the time he retired at the end of the 1963 campaign, "he had given nine years of great service to the Red and Black on the field of play."
The Down GAA tribute read: "He had played in Wembley, and in America and at all times he had given of his best.
"He was part of a team that made history, yet Tony never sought headlines or fanfares.
"For Tony, it was about giving.
"He gave of his time, his energy, his commitment and his knowledge, to try and make a difference, to make Down Football better and to have success.
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"We in Down GAA were privileged to have Tony Hadden in our midst.
"He was a man who spanned the generations and had a great affinity with people of all ages.
"He was widely respected throughout the game, always a gentleman who never forgot his roots.
"He was a proud Newry Man, a proud Shamrocks Man and a proud Down Man.
"Tony was one of those men who helped make us the proud people that we are.
"When we think of Tony Hadden, we think of greatness and we also think of humility, for he sought only to give of his best for his family, his Club and his County.
"A truly great Gael who we are proud to say was one of our own.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to Tony's Wife Carolyn, his many nieces and nephews, the entire Hadden family circle and to the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks at this sad time."
'GREAT FRIEND'
In addition to his impact on the county team, Hadden has gone down as an all-time great with the Newry Shamrocks.
Having won two minor medals in 1953 and 1954, he carried on his pedigree into the senior ranks.
He won two county titles with his club in 1956 and 1961 - the latter coming the same year as his second Sam Maguire - while he added a junior football championship in 1973.
In an emotional tribute, Newry Shamrocks described him as a "great friend, player and esteemed clubman".
The club mourned: "Tony's name is woven into the history of our club.
"From our early home in River Street, to the hall in Boat Street, to our present clubrooms at Páirc Esler, Tony was always to the fore – a true volunteer who epitomised service to our club.
"On the field, his brilliance for Shamrocks earned him a place among Down's greatest ever footballers.
"Yet no matter how high he climbed, Tony always remained, first and foremost, a Shamrocks man.
"Off the pitch, Tony served on numerous committees and as Club Treasurer for many years, bringing diligence, organisation and vision.
"His leadership helped guide the building of our Social Club in 1977, including securing a grant of £20,000 from Bass Ireland.
"As a manager, coach, advisor and trusted mentor, Tony shared his knowledge freely, inspiring generations of Shamrocks players and teaching us all the values of commitment and pride in the green and white.
"We in Newry Shamrocks GAC have been privileged and honoured to call Tony a teammate, a leader and a friend.
"A gentleman, a proud Newry man, a proud Down man and a proud Shamrocks man to the end – Tony Hadden will forever be part of our club's story.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Carolyn, the Hadden family circle, and all who knew and loved him."
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