Tributes have been pouring in for Eddie McKay following the two-time All-Ireland winner's death.

The legendary goalkeeper was part of the Down team that brought the Sam Maguire north of the border for the first time in 1960 after they defeated Kerry in the final, with another All-Ireland triumph coming for the Mourne Men the following year when they beat Offaly at Croke Park.

McKay made his senior championship debut for Down in 1957 against Donegal and won his first Ulster title with his county two years later. He went on to manage a number of clubs in his native county, including Downpatrick and Longstone, as well as his own club Dundrum.

READ MORE: Pat Nolan: Mickey Harte-Declan Kelly arrangement the ultimate fudge by Offaly county board

READ MORE:David Clifford shows incredible skill as he assists score in club game

Patrick Kielty previously told how McKay inspired him to become a goalkeeper, with the Late Late Show host going on to win an All-Ireland minor medal with Down in 1987.

"He was from Dundrum and he was the guy who got me into being the goalkeeper. He gave me my senior start and I played senior football for Dundrum whenever I was 15," Kielty told GAA.ie last year.

McKay was born in 1936 on the Old Belfast Road in the townland of Cloghram, Dundrum. He attended the local primary school throughout the 1940’s where he got his first experience of sport, primarily through the GAA and gymnastics.

Paying tribute, Dundrum said: "Eddie's connection to Dundrum GAC is long and storied. His contribution on and off the field was immense. A leading light, he will go down as one of the greats of Down football. Our club and county have lost a hero that inspired generations of footballers. His achievements were legendary.

"To his family and friends, Dundrum GAC express their deepest sympathy to you all."

To keep up to date with all the latest GAA news, sign-up to our GAA newsletter here.

Related

Storm Lilian to lash Ireland as weather warnings issued by Met Eireann for fierce double blast

Legendary two-time All-Ireland winner who inspired RTE Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty dies

Fixture announced for 2025 that will bring back memories of one of the greatest Irish sporting victories of all time

Teenager dies in Ibiza after falling from sixth-floor balcony as mum pays heartbreaking tribute

Martine McCutcheon splits from husband after 18 years as she shares heartbreaking statement

Step inside the iconic St John's Point Lighthouse this Heritage Week

In pictures: Colgan Heritage Weekend in Carndonagh

In pictures: Gleneely and Culdaff take on Finn Harps team in charity game

HSE confirm Dr Charles McManus as the new GP for Ardara

Editorial View: Stepping stones to employment, further education and degrees

William Allingham to be remembered in Ballyshannon in his 200th birthday year

How to find the Best Deals at your local Vape Shop?