Three-time All-Ireland winning Down defender Dan McCartan has died at the age of 84.
McCartan won eight Ulster Championships as a Morne player, lifting Sam Maguire at Down in 1960, 1961 and 1968.
He also won three National League titles and four Railway Cup medals during an illustrious inter-county career.
At club level, McCartan played for Glen and Talleyrish before beginning his career with Carryduff.
He continued to play for the club well into his fifties, alongside his son Mark, who also won an All-Ireland title with Down in 1991.
McCartans played center halfback and fullback for Morne County.
After retiring from inter-county football in 1976, McCartan was a selector for Down in 1978, when they won the Ulster Championship, and in 1983, when they won the league title.
In a statement, Down GAA said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dan McCartan, an icon of Down football and All-Ireland medal winner in 1960, 61 and 68.
“Dan made an outstanding contribution to the county. He made a difference in the lives of many people, both those he played with and those he went on to coach.
“He was a passionate and proud down man who always gave his all in any job he took on.
“The current generation of Down footballers are the heirs to a great tradition that started with men like Dan McCartan. Indeed, a great legacy was left for the club and the county by a great man.”
