Down triple All-Ireland winner Dan McCartan won so many honours in football, handball and as a manager, the priest and friend of the family officiating at his funeral shied away from even trying to come up with a number.
The 84-year-old, one of only four players to be part of Down’s All-Ireland winning teams of 1960, 1961 and 1968, was remembered on Wednesday as a “gentle giant” off-field and and overall an icon and a legend.
Fr Brian Watters, asked by the family to officiate at the funeral service at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Carryduff, said Mr McCartan was still on the sidelines supporting his adopted club a few months, cheering on the women’s football team in their Ulster junior semi-final clash Lavey.
“He is one of only four players to win the All-Ireland in 1960, 1961 and 1968, along with many Ulster titles, Railway Cups, league medals and an All-Ireland handball medal,” said Fr Brian said. “‘m not going to say the numbers in case I get them wrong.”
Those attending the funeral mass were also reminded “Dan got involved in management with the Down senior team along with his brother, James. They also went on to manage the Down minor team.”
Mr McCartan, who played for Tullylish and Glenn before switching to Carryduff, was a selector when Down won the All-Ireland minor title in 1987.
“Even in his later years, when I was up watching matches here, he was always encouraging the young players from Carryduff,” Fr Brian said.
A dentist by profession, with a practice on the Andersonstown Road, Mr McCartan was also remembered for his involvement in the community.
“Dan, in his own quiet way, also helped those who were in need, not looking any accolades or recognition, but just doing what was right in life,” he said.
“He was a founding member of the Parent Teacher Association here at St Joseph’s Primary School.”
His son Mark told of how before he retired from dentistry, his father bought a fishing trawler based in Ardglass.
“Although I don’t think Dan went fishing in it himself, those who did were able to care for their families thanks to Dan giving them work,” said Fr Brian.
Mr McCartan initially played at centre half-back, before later moving to full-back during his county player for Down. He continued to play into his 50s, lining out with his son Mark, also an All-Ireland in 1991.
“Dan was a marvellous team-mate, a marvellous player... he played the game very simply, and he was a major force for any team he played with,” said Sean O’Neill, also a triple winner with the triumphant Down team of the 1960s.
“I say that in the right way - he was not an intimidator, he wasn’t a dirty player, but it was a physical game and he played it within the rules.
“Away from football, he was a gentle giant, very good company, I’d have stood up for Dan in any company, anywhere, any time, and he would have done the same for me or any of his friends.
“He was that kind of character - a very genuine man, and he will be sadly missed.”
Mr McCartan is survived by his partner Betty, son Mark, stepsons Gary and Jason, grandchildren Jamie, Jorden, Daniel, Sean, Ethan, Ross, Jack, Ayla and Adam and family circle. A private family cremation will be held in Roselawn on Saturday 9 March at 10.40am.
