Tributes paid to ‘true Gael’ and GAA stalwart Sean McCashin after sudden death

Sean McCashin died at his home in Ballykinlar on Saturday.

The father and grandfather was embedded in Gaelic games throughout his life.

He was Ulster Council Delegate for Down GAA, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the East Down Committee, a renowned referee and was the assistant secretary of the Down County Committee of the LGFA.

Down GAA described Mr McCashin as “one of those people who just wanted to serve the GAA to the very best of his abilities”.

"For him Ballykinlar and Down were his outlet in life and he wanted only to be involved, no task was ever too small for Sean, and once asked to take on any role or responsibility, you could be sure that Sean would deliver,” the statement continued.

"We are lucky that there are people who only want to give their all for our Association and Sean McCashin was one such person, he gave of his time willingly to any task and in doing so he helped make a difference for those whom he encountered.”

Mr McCashin’s own home club, Ballykinlar GAC, added: "It is with immense sadness that we learn today of the sudden passing of our former Chairman and current referee, Sean McCashin. A lifelong Gael who served his club and county tirelessly, and who made such substantial contribution to both the GAA and LGFA.”

Down LGFA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, stated that “Sean’s life was steeped in the GAA and over the past few years we were lucky to have him become involved in Down LGFA”.

"Sean had refereed with us for a few years before last year coming on board as Down LGFA Fixture’s Secretary. Over the past year, Sean brought the same enthusiasm, determination and dedication he brought to all the roles he served in his GAA life.

"He spent many hours working with clubs to accommodate changes and ultimately ensure every game was played. As Sean opened his first Fixtures Report ahead of our AGM (Annual General Meeting), he described the year as ‘fun and challenging’ but in true Sean McCashin style, he met those challenges head on and was already working to ensure some of those challenges didn’t follow us into the 2024 season.

"That is a reflection of his commitment to ensuring Down LGFA and its clubs will be the strongest it can be.

“The aim of the GAA is to strengthen National Identity through the promotion of Gaelic Games and past times and Sean McCashin [has] done so much to play his part in this, recently with ourselves in Down LGFA, refereeing; which he took up several years ago mostly due to his concern around referee shortages, his role within Official Down GAA as Ulster Delegate, his constant support of our men and ladies’ county teams, his many years service to East Down, his participation and support for Scór and last but not least and where his heart truly lay, Ballykinlar GAC.

"Sean was a proud Down man but more importantly a prouder Ballykilnlar man. Sean was a true Gael and along with members all across Down, we thank him for his service to the county and the clubs within it.”

The East Belfast GAA club, whose ladies’ footballers were refereed by Mr McCashin many times, said they were “saddened” to hear of his passing also.

“Sean refereed many a game for our ladies in the Division 3 and 4 leagues and has liaised regularly with our ladies’ committee throughout this last season in his role as Fixtures Secretary. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and county colleagues who will feel his loss deeply. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Mr McCashin is survived by his wife, Annette, son Richard, daughter-in-law Donna and grandchildren, Luke Farrah and Bonnie.

Funeral arrangements to follow.