The GAA mourns the loss of one of its great ambassadors this morning following the news that Monaghan county treasurer Paddy O'Rourke has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 81. Mr O'Rourke had been a loyal servant to the GAA at club, county and national level for several years, which included 56-years unbroken service as secretary of his beloved Inniskeen club. He also acted as treasurer to the club during this time until he stepped down just last year, while he acted as county treasurer from 1970 until his death.
A selfless worker who immersed himself in every aspect of the association he openly loved, Mr O'Rourke was inducted into the Monaghan Hall Fame in 1993 having represented the county at senior level for over a decade in the 1940s and 50s.
Over the years, his achievements and commitment to gaelic games have seen him presented with the Ciba Geigy Club Man of the Year Award, receive an AIB special presentation to mark his 50 years as club secretary, enjoy a special 'This is Your Life' presentation hosted by Micheal O'Muircheartaigh in 1996 and, more recently, honoured by the Ulster GAA Writers Association with their Services to the GAA Award back in 1997.
Paddy O'Rourke is survived by his sisters, Anne, Mary, Nuala, Dympna and Rose and his brothers Oliver, Fran, Willie and Gene.
Filed by Shane Murray
