Tributes as 'legendary' GAA coach John Morrison dies
GAA manager and coach John Morrison has died.
Morrison was a coach most famously with Mayo and was also in backroom teams with his native Armagh, Derry, Donegal and Leitrim.
He also managed Antrim and the Monaghan ladies football team.
In 2006 Morrison and manager Mickey Moran led Mayo to the All-Ireland final against Kerry. Mayo suffered defeat with the Kingdom winning 4-15 to 3-5.
Morrison also worked with Moran with Donegal and Leitrim.
Mayo GAA stated that they "are saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coaching figure John Morrison.
"He had huge influence on Mayo getting to the All Ireland Final in 2006. He'll be sadly missed by all of those who encountered him."
All involved with Mayo GAA are saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coaching figure John Morrison. He had huge influence on Mayo getting to the All Ireland Final in 2006. He'll be sadly missed by all of those who encountered him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/BLfV3WtQEV
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) February 12, 2019
Derry GAA said Morrison was "an inspirational man with a brilliant coaching mind who leaves us with many fond memories.
"Our thoughts are with John's family and Armagh Gaels at this time."
We are saddened to learn of the death of our former senior football coach, John Morrison. An inspirational man with a brilliant coaching mind who leaves us with many fond memories. Our thoughts are with John's family and Armagh Gaels at this time. pic.twitter.com/WuTAmBTOeg
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) February 12, 2019
Armagh Harps said the club "was shocked and saddened this morning to learn of the sudden passing of John Morrison- a former player, manager, Chairman and Hall of Fame inductee."
A host of former players have also paid tribute to the coach.
Conor Mortimer, who was instrumental in Mayo's run to the 2006 final, said it was "devasting" news.
"He was a huge help to me as a player and hugely respected in the country with his way ahead of his time coaching ideas."
Devasting new to hear this morning that john Morrison has sadly passed away. He was a huge help to me as a player and hugely respected in the country with his way ahead of his time coaching ideas. RIPJM😥😥😥 pic.twitter.com/JM0MvoXNeR
— Conor.mortimer ⚽️ (@Conmort) February 12, 2019
Another Mayo player, David Brady, said Morrison "came to Mayo as a stranger & left a legacy of much more than just football."
John Morrison May you Rest In Peace .You came to Mayo as a stranger & left a legacy of much more than just football.This week 13 years ago we had a Valentines dinner & a card for each player from “SAMantha” telling us we were ment to be.Before you time RIP John in every way
— David Brady (@D9BMayo) February 12, 2019
