Offaly GAA pays tribute to "one of county's greatest hurlers"

Offaly GAA has paid tribute to a "true hurling legend" following the death today (Wednesday) of Padraig Horan.

Horan was the first player to captain an Offaly hurling team to win an All-Ireland senior title in 1981, scoring two points from his full forward position during the Faithful County's historic victory over Galway.

The St Rynagh's club player was also part of the Offaly team which regained the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1985, once again defeating Galway to claim All-Ireland senior hurling honours.

Offaly GAA described as "only fitting" that Horan was captain for the historic occasion in 1981.

'Over a long and illustrious career with the Faithful County Padraig had seen as much defeat as only player and in fact was in the twilight of his career when that famous day arrived'.

During a "distingushed career" with Offaly, Padraig won two All-Ireland senior hurling medals (1981 & 85), three Leinster Senior Championship medals (1981, '84, '85) as well as Walsh Cup and Railway Cup medals.

On the club scene he won ten Offaly senior hurling championship medals, between 1968 and 1981, including a "record equalling five in a row" from 1972-76, captaining the side on two occasions in 1974 and 1981.

Offaly GAA also referenced Horan's success in a managerial capacity, citing his success with both the U21 and senior hurling teams in 1991 and 1992.

During this time Horan "guided the county to its only National League success in May 1991, while the U21's won two provincial titles in that period".

Horan also guided Birr to All-Ireland club glory in 1995 with an "emphatic win" over Dunloy of Antrim after a replay.

In recognition of his playing and managerial achievements with Offaly, Horan was inducted into the Offaly GAA Hall of Fame in 2006 and GAA Hall of Fame in 2017.

'Padraig Horan will always be remembered as a true legend of Offaly GAA and our deepest sympathies go to his wife Carmel, daughter Niamh, sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid, extended family, St Rynagh’s GAA club and his many friends'.