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Taoiseach expresses his sadness on the passing of Joe McDonagh
"I knew Joe McDonagh well since our college days where his charisma and leadership qualities were clearly in evidence from early on.
"Joe was of course a member of that great Galway Hurling team who ended years of heartbreak for the tribesmen in 1980 and sang the Wests Awake from the Hogan Stand to the supporters on the pitch and around the world.
"Joe had exquisite Irish and was one of the greatest speakers of our native tongue that I've ever heard.
"In rising through the ranks of GAA administration and reaching the heights of Uachtarán CLG Joe focused always on bringing young people with him, giving them the leadership and encouragement they needed.
"Joe isn't as renowned for his footballing prowess as his hurling but he was equally as adept with the big ball as the small.
"My sincerest sympathies go to his wife Peig and three children at this very sad time.
"He was a proud Ballinderreen man and while his club has lost a champion, Galway has lost a hero."
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