Daniel McCartan (May 1939 – 3 March 2024) was a Northern Irish Gaelic footballer, selector and manager. He played at club level with Glenn, Tullylish and Carryduff and at inter-county level with the Down senior football team.
Playing career
McCartan had his first Gaelic football successes as a student at St Colman's College in Newry. He won consecutive MacRory Cups in his last two years as a student, as well as being a Hogan Cup runner-up in 1957.[3] McCartan began his adult club career with Glenna round this time, and won Down SFC titles in 1959, 1962 and 1963.[4] He later transferred to the Tullylish club before ending his career with Carryduff.[5]
McCartan was just 19-years-old when he was drafted onto the Down senior football team. His career coincided with Down's most successful era ever, and he won All-Ireland SFC medals in 1960, 1961 and 1968.[6] McCartan was also part of eight Ulster SFC-winning teams and collected three National League titles. He also won four Railway Cup medals with Ulster. McCartan's inter-county career was brought to an end when he was dropped from the Down team in January 1976.[7]
Management career
When his playing career ended, McCartan became involved in team management and coaching. He was a selector when the Down senior team won the Ulster SFC title in 1978 . McCartan was also a selector when the Down minor team beat Cork to win the All-Ireland MFC title in 1987.[8]
Personal life and death
His brother, James McCartan, was a teammate on Down's All-Ireland SFC-winning teams in 1960 and 1961.[9] His nephews, James McCartan Jnr and Daniel McCartan, also played with Down.[10] McCartan qualified as a dentist and practiced for many years on the Andersonstown Road in west Belfast.
McCartan died in the Downe Hospital on 3 March 2024, at the age of 84.[11]
