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Sports reporter who specialised in Gaelic games dies aged 68

Micheal McGearyA sports journalist who specialised in covering Gaelic sports during his career has died aged 68.

Tributes have been paid to Micheál McGeary, who wrote for Belfast-based titles The Irish News and Sunday Life during his career.

Micheál, pictured left, served as chief GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) reporter for the News for many years, covering Irish sports such as hurling and Gaelic football for the newspaper.

In 1988, he moved on to the newly-formed Sunday Life title, where he continued to cover GAA as well as rugby.

Writing in the paper, Irish News editor Noel Doran said: “Micheál was one of the leading GAA journalists of his era and he made a massive contribution to The Irish News throughout his time here.

“He reported with great distinction on many sports, but his passion was always for Gaelic games, with a particular affection for his native Armagh.

“Micheál will be sadly missed by all his friends at The Irish News and our thoughts are with his family.”

News sports editor Thomas Hawkins added: “He was an inspiration to many people during his career in journalism, always very knowledgeable on many sports and he had a great way with him, always a bit of craic about him.

“He was a true gentleman, his loss will be greatly felt.”

Micheál died at the Craigavon Area Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Olive and his daughters Olive, Susan and Sarah.

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  • February 9, 2016 at 12:44 pm
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    Always a nice, quiet, friendly and modest colleague, despite his reputation as a leading authority on GAA sport. I had the pleasure to work with Micheál on Sunday Life and know that he will be deeply missed by his many friends and former colleagues there and on the Irish News. Deepest sympathies to his family.

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