Tributes have been pouring in following the passing of “The Voice of the Athletic Grounds”, Dr Sean McCann.
The renowned stadium announcer for Armagh GAA sadly passed on Monday, June 24. He had been one of their longest serving and most cherished volunteers.
Sean was highly respected by all in Armagh GAA circles, serving on numerous committees and accepting posts as Irish Officer and Children’s Officer.
Commenting on Sean’s invaluable contribution club Chairman, Paul McArdle said: “It was with immense shock and sadness that we learned late yesterday of the passing of Sean McCann.
“Sean was above all a truly valued member of the Armagh GAA family. His achievements within our association were wide and memorable, from winning a Hogan Cup medal, being awarded the Gardam Gaeilge President’s Award to fulfilling the roles of Irish Officer and Children’s Officer.
“However, we will all remember Sean as the voice of the Box-IT Athletic Grounds. His attention to detail and skilled delivery made him known by gaels across Ulster and beyond, as did his love and promotion of our native language and culture.
“We offer condolences to Sean’s wife, Bernardine, sons, John Michael and Martin, and the wider family circle.
“Sean, the dedicated volunteers of Armagh GAA will miss you greatly and I, as Chairperson, will miss your support and friendship. Mairfidh sé i gcuimhne Gaeil Ard Mhacha go deo.”
Facebook page Armagh Fans 1889 added: “We want to pass our condolences to the family of the great Sean McCann on his sad passing.
“Sean is a well known figure within the Armagh GAA circles, and you all would have heard is voice over the speakers of the Athletic Grounds.
“Sean was the voice of Armagh GAA, calling out the team news at all County and club games for decades.
“Sean was also a former teacher in Drumcree College, Portadown where he taught many former county players and many of you loyal Armagh supporters
“We send our condolences to Sean’s wife Bernadine, sons John Michael and Martin and his wider family circle. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.”
In a strange twist of fate, Sean’s passing was followed closely by that of fellow Gaelic games commentator, “The Voice of Gaelic game” and TV and radio personality, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, on Tuesday, June 25.
Acknowledging the loss of two sporting greats, one person, said: “The death of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh is a strange time, Armagh GAA, have also lost their great Gaelic Scholar and commentator Sean McCann last night.
“Sean was a Silverwood man through and through, not only a brilliant Gaelic Scholar but a magnificent historian as well indeed I relied on Sean for a lot of research. Suaimhneas Síoraí Mo Chara.”
A funeral notice described Sean as the beloved husband of Bernardine and dearly loved father of John Michael and Martin.
He will repose at his residence (13 Mullavilly Heights) today, Wednesday, June 26, from 3pm until 9pm.
The house will be strictly private on the morning of funeral. His funeral will be held on Thursday from his residence at 10.20am to the Church of St. John The Baptist, Drumcree, Portadown for Requiem Mass at 11.00am. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
His passing is deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughters-in-law Catherine and Shannon, grandchildren Wren, Willow and Seán Óg, sister Maureen, brother Eamon, nieces, nephews and family circle.
Family flowers only, donations if desired to Chest, Heart & Stroke Association, c/o the family. Donation box in the family home.
Seán’s Requiem Mass can be viewed on Drumcree Parish on line livestream.
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