NEWS ROUND-UP:THE DEATH took place yesterday morning of former GAA president Pat Fanning, from Waterford. He was 91. He was the longest-surviving ex-president, having served in office between 1970 and 1973.
He is particularly remembered for his chairing of the momentous 1971 congress debate in Belfast, which removed the controversial ban on members of the association playing “foreign games”, principally rugby and soccer.
Although not in favour of the reform, he won plaudits for his even-handed expediting of the debate. He also served as county chair in Waterford on three occasions.
Born in 1918, he was a member of the Mount Sion club, with whom he won seven county championships, and played for the county. He worked for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and was a regular delegate to annual congress until recent years.
GAA president Christy Cooney paid tribute to his predecessor: “Pat Fanning was an inspirational figure who had an active role at every level of the association both before and after serving as association president.
“He showed real leadership qualities in the three years that he served in that position, which was a challenging time for the association, and he made an immense contribution to GAA over a prolonged period.
“On behalf of the association as a whole I would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences to the Fanning family and Waterford GAA on their loss.”
