Philip McGuinness


Philip McGuinness was a Gaelic footballer from County Leitrim, Ireland, and was a member of the Leitrim inter-county panel until 2010. He died on 19 April 2010 after an accidental collision in a club game in Leitrim. Mohill GAA club are going to rename their home grounds the 'Philly McGuinness Memorial Park'.

Career

McGuinness played with the Mohill Club all his career and played in their 2006 Senior Championship victory over St Mary's, the club's first title since 1971. In 2001 he was selected on the Connacht International Rules team that travelled to Australia. He also won a Connacht Vocational Schools title. In the 2009 Connacht Championship game against Roscommon he kicked two points from wing-forward. He was an accomplished hurler, and played for the County on a number of occasions in the National league, but once called up to the Leitrim football panel, he began concentrating more on the big ball game.

Death

On 17 April 2010, McGuinness was playing for Mohill GAA in a league match against Melvin Gaels when he sustained a knock to the head after falling on an opponent's knee. Spectators said it was five minutes before half-time when Mr McGuinness went up for a high ball and fell towards the other player and collided with his knee. He was taken to Sligo General Hospital before being moved to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where he died on 19 April 2010.
GAA president Christy Cooney paid his respects by saying “Philip’s passing is as untimely as it is tragic and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time".

Legacy

The Philly McGuinness Memorial Park in Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland was dedicated to the footballer.