FORMER DONEGAL player Sean Ferriter has paid tribute to the late Joe Lennon, the ex-Down footballer, who died on Wednesday.
Ferriter played with Lennon on Ulster teams in the Railway Cup and in opposition to Lennon while the Dungloe native lined out for Donegal.
Lennon was 81 when he passed away. He won three All-Ireland titles with Down – in 1960, 1961 and, as captain, in 1968 – while he was conferred with a PHD in the field of philosophy of sport for his thesis, ‘Towards a philosophy for legislation in Gaelic Games’ in 2000.
Ferriter is currently on holiday in Australia, but has issued a statement on the passing of the Down legend:
Tags:“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Joe Lennon today. A former Ulster team mate and formidable opponent of mine whilst I was playing for Donegal in the 1960’s.
“During my own playing career I contacted Joe when he was a young student in Loughborough College in the UK studying Physical Education.
“I wanted to make improvements to my own fitness and training regime and asked Joe would he be able to assist me and give me some guidance.
“Although a current opponent of mine at the time whilst he was playing for Down and I for Donegal, he took the time to write back to me with an extensive 12-page training programme in his own handwriting, which I still have today.
“Joe was an absolute gentleman and somebody I had huge admiration and respect for both on and off the playing field.
“ I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and family and the extended Down GAA community at this sad time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.
