Former manager and well-respected GAA coach John Morrison has died.
Morrison was Mayo coach in 2006 alongside manager Mickey Moran as they reached an All-Ireland final against Kerry.
He managed Antrim as well as backroom positions with home county Armagh, Derry, Donegal and Leitrim.
Armagh Harps, a club Morrison played for and managed, said they were "shocked and saddened this morning to learn of the sudden passing of John Morrison – a former player, manager, chairman and Hall of Fame inductee. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Former Armagh footballer Steven McDonnell described Morrison as "an absolute gentleman".
He tweeted: "Sad to hear of the death of John Morrison. An absolute gentleman that taught and coached so many players down through the years. He was always thinking ahead with his ideas."
Devastated & distraught to hear of John's passing. One of my dearest friends, a father figure to me. He did so much for me as a coach & a person. Brought me into his sessions in Mayo, Leitrim, Cork, shared all he knew. Moulded me & 1000s of others. Ní bheidh a Leithéad an aris. https://t.co/rtWytAmCmj
— Turlough O Brien (@TurloughCarlow) February 12, 2019
Sad news flittered through @Armagh_GAA this morning with the passing of John Morrison, words couldin do this man justice on how he helped me as a player coming through Armagh Development Squads & in life after football he's help me so much in my career as a Gaa Coach. #ripjohn pic.twitter.com/qpIkKMgqAi
— ciaran mckeever (@cmckeever6) February 12, 2019
Former Mayo star David Brady paid tribute to Morrison and shared an amusing anecdote of a Valentine's Day card from 'SAMantha' that encouraged them to chase their dream of Sam Maguire while Brady's team-mate Conor Mortimer said that Morrison was "way ahead of his time" as a coach.
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
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
That exact picture was given to me in a frame by john Morrison exactly a day after the game with the words "practise makes perfect " inscribed on it. He had seen me the night before the game with Galway taking frees from that exact same place in castebar. #legend 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/bGWirB01Sd
— Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) February 12, 2019
The county boards of Armagh, Mayo, Leitrim and Derry all paid tribute to Morrison.
Leitrim GAA is greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of the late John Morrison. What a huge character he was and a brilliant innovative coach who added so much to Leitrim GAA in his time here with Mickey Moran from 2009-2011. RIP Big Man.. #GAA pic.twitter.com/gYKJ3Q6I68
— Leitrim GAA (@LeitrimGAA) February 12, 2019
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
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
We are saddened to hear of the death of John Morrison, John managed Armagh ladies in the past along side Noel Marley & Mickey Moran. He was a true Gael and will be missed by all that ever knew him. RIP
— ArmaghLGFA (@ArmaghLGFA) February 12, 2019
