The GAA family across Armagh – and Ulster – is mourning the loss of one of its finest following the passing of the highly-respected coach Mattie Lennon.
The Derrynoose clubman represented Armagh at all levels as a hurler – before managing the county between 2006 and 2008.
However, Mattie was a man for all the codes, having managed Armagh U21 footballers, alongside Colm Marley and Peter Rafferty, soon after the county’s 2002 All-Ireland triumph, before a stint with Armagh camogs in 2021.
Mattie was also in charge Monaghan when they reached the Division 3A final in 2012.
He also enjoyed two separate spells at the helm of Tyrone hurling. During his first term in 2014-15 he won the county’s first ever Nicky Rackard Cup and helped the Red Hands to successive league promotions.
It was his club, Derrynoose GAC, who led in the tributes for an “esteemed gael”.
“Mattie has been the heartbeat of our club for many years, nurturing young hurlers, footballers and camogs from the grassroots right up to senior,” said the Club.
“He held many positions within the club, most recently a senior coach with the men’s footballers and hurlers.
“Mattie was one of the driving forces behind bringing hurling to our club, having played and won senior championship medals with his brothers for Middletown.
“He played football and hurling for many years for Derrynoose and also for Armagh and Ulster. Mattie was a member of the Armagh GAA Football Junior Ulster winning team in 1985 and a member of the Armagh GAA Hurling Junior All Ireland winning team in 2000, he also worked closely with Ulster Colleges Hurling.
“Mattie was a respected coach, taking up a role with Armagh GAA u21 Footballers in 2004 who won the All Ireland for the first and only time. Mattie coached Armagh GAA hurlers, Monaghan GAA Hurlers and Tyrone GAA Hurlers and most recently Armagh Camogie.
“We pray for the entire Lennon family circle at this time, especially his wife Úna and sons Michael & Matthew, former players. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
A funeral notice said Mattie passed away peacefully in the presence of his adored family.
He is described as the dearly beloved husband of Ùna and devoted father to Michael and Matthew, as well as the cherished son of the late Mick and Alice RIP.
His remains will repose at his late residence 4 Ashley Hill, Armagh BT60 1EJ from this evening (Thursday) until removal on Sunday to arrive at St Mochua’s Church Derrynoose for 12Noon Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted and sorely missed by his loving wife, sons, brothers James (Laura), John (Carmel), Michael (Anna), Martin (Geardine), Thomas (Carmel), Oliver (Patricia), sisters Mary, Josephine (Joe RIP), Eileen (Tony) and Roisin. The Loughlin family of Gerald (Angie), Patrick (Dympna), Bronagh (Tony) and Aine (Dominic), all the nieces, nephews and the wider family circle and many friends.
On his soul Sweet Jesus have mercy.
Family welcome visitors to their home on Friday and Saturday between 12noon — 9pm, house respectfully private outside these hours please. All wake parking available at the old Armagh potato company 98-100 Newry Rd Armagh BT60 1ER where a shuttle service to the wake home will be provided.
