Inspirational former Portadown teacher Dr Seán McCann - the 'voice of Armagh GAA' - was a highly respected Gaeilgeoir and academic

By Carmel Robinson
Published 26th Jun 2024, 09:46 BST
Updated 26th Jun 2024, 10:29 BST
Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'. He is pictured here in the Commentating Booth at Armagh GAA Athletic Grounds.Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'. He is pictured here in the Commentating Booth at Armagh GAA Athletic Grounds.
Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'. He is pictured here in the Commentating Booth at Armagh GAA Athletic Grounds.
Past pupils, Armagh GAA fans and many in the Gaelic speaking world have paid to tribute to Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected former teacher, academic and Gaeilgeoir.

Dr Seán McCann, from Lurgan but living in Tandragee, spent a lifetime studying and teaching in various schools, colleges and universities in Ireland.

He was known as the ‘Voice of Armagh’ having commentated at many matches at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.

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Armagh GAA paid tribute to Dr McCann who was regarded as the ‘Voice of Armagh’. A statement said: “Armagh GAA are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of on our longest serving volunteers, Sean McCann.

Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'.Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'.
Dr Seán McCann, a highly respected teacher, academic and gaeilgeoir, who was from Lurgan originally but lived most of his life in Tandragee, was considered 'The Voice of Armagh'.

"Sean was the “Voice of the Athletic Grounds,” as he, for many years, was in charge of making the stadium announcements on club and county match days.

"We offer our sincerest condolences to his Sean’s wife, Bernie his two sons, John Michael & Martin and his wider family circle.”

Two years ago he received the Gradam Gaeilge GAA President’s Award. The prestigious President's Award is presented to 11 volunteers every year for their long-standing commitment and dedication in their respective field within the GAA.

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After spending his formative years at St. Patrick's P.S. Derrymacash and St Colman’s College in Newry, he went to university in Dublin where he studied English, Irish, Philosophy and French at University College Dublin in the 70s. He also studied a Master of Social Science at Queen's University, Belfast after reading Anthropology, Sociology, Politics and Public Policy. He also studied a Reseach Doctorate PhD at Ulster University.

A popular teacher he taught across Ireland including at Coláiste Éanna Cabra West Dublin and St Brigid’s Secondary School and Drumcree College. He was also a former Secretary and Headmaster at Coláiste Árainn Mhóir, Irish Summer College and former Head Master at Coláiste Anagaire, Anagaire Irish Summer College. He was also a reviser In Irish at CCEA.

Dr McCann was also a former Cultural Traditions Officer at Community Relations Council and a former Distance Learning Tutor and Part-Time Lecturer at Southern Regional College Lurgan and Portadown.

In tribute to Dr McCann the entire Crossmagien Rangers club sent their deepest condolences to the McCann family on the passing of Sean. “Sean, the voice of Armagh GAA a dedicated and passionate Gael. We send our condolences to Sean's wife Bernadine, sons John Michael and Martin and extended family. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.”

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Hundreds of tributes have shared how highly regarded Dr McCann was as a teacher and GAA legend. One said: “Fond memories of our Irish lessons, and the voice of the Athletic Grounds.”

Another said: “A Gentleman and a Scholar. Taught me Irish and Sociology in St Brigid’s. Very fondly remembered.”

A third said: “A great man and supporter of the Irish language and GAA. True gentleman. Happy memories of times spent on Arranmore. Suaimhneas síoraí.”

Dr Seán (John Michael) from 13 Mullavilly Heights, was the beloved husband of Bernardine and dearly loved father of John Michael and Martin.

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His funeral will take place from his residence at 10.20am to the Church of St. John The Baptist Drumcree, Portadown for Requiem Mass at 11am.

His death is deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughters-in-law Catherine and Shannon, grandchildren Wren, Willow and Seán Óg, sister Maureen, brother Eamon and family circle.

Related topics:Portadown