Dr Sean McCann tributes paid as Armagh GAA remember “the voice of the Athletic Grounds”

Tributes have been paid to Dr Sean McCann following his passing on Monday with Armagh GAA describing him as “the voice of the Athletic Grounds”.

A well-known figure in GAA circles, Sean was the stadium announcer at the Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh City and also held several positions on the Armagh County Board.

Originally from Lurgan, Sean spent most of his life in Tandragee and was a teacher by profession, working for many years in Drumcree College in Portadown.

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A respected academic and Gaeligeoir, he was awarded the Gardem Gaeilge President’s Award in 2022.

In a statement, Armagh GAA chairman Paul McArdle said: “It was with immense shock and sadness that we learned of the passing of Sean McCann.

“Sean was above all a truly valued member of the Armagh GAA family. His achievements within our association were wide and memorable, from winning a Hogan Cup medal, being awarded the Gardam Gaeilge President’s Award to fulfilling the roles of Irish Officer and Children’s Officer.

"However, we will all remember Sean as the voice of the Box-IT Athletic Grounds. His attention to detail and skilled delivery made him known by gaels across Ulster and beyond, as did his love and promotion of our native language and culture.

"We offer condolences to Sean’s wife Bernardine, sons John Michael and Martin, and the wider family circle. Sean, the dedicated volunteers of Armagh GAA will miss you greatly and I as Chairperson will miss your support and friendship. Mairfidh sé i gcuimhne Gaeil Ard Mhacha go deo.”

"We keep Sean’s wife, Bernardine, his sons, John Michael and Martin and his whole family circle in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dhílis.”

Armagh LGFA added: “Our sincere thoughts & prayers are with the McCann family on the sudden passing of Seán. A regular announcer at our home games in the Athletic Grounds, we will miss his voice, never a man to say no and he was always there in his usual jovial form, controlling the microphone.”

Crossmaglen Rangers also added their condolences, saying: "The entire Cross Rangers club send our deepest condolences to the McCann family on the passing of Sean. Sean, the voice of Armagh GAA a dedicated and passionate Gael. Our condolences to Sean's wife Bernadine, sons John Michael & Martin & family. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.”

Sean’s Requiem Mass will be held on Thursday, June 27 at the Church of St John The Baptist Drumcree, Portadown at 11am.

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