Everyone can learn something about leadership from the life of former Tyrone football captain Cormac McAnallen, President Mary McAleese said today.
Delivering the Inaugural Cormac McAnallen Leadership Lecture at St Catherine's College in Armagh - the school where the late sporting star taught - the president paid tribute to his parents, Bridget and Brendan McAnallen, in the audience.
"For Cormac left the gifts of exemplary leadership, of passion for life itself, of discipline, sacrifice and courage, of generosity and service to others," she said.
Mrs McAleese referred to the widespread mourning throughout the country after the death of the footballer (24) from sudden death syndrome.
The former teacher won every honour in the game including minor, under-21 and senior All-Irelands, and also picked up an All-Star and represented Ireland in the international rules series against Australia.
The president said that behind the glittering list of titles and accomplishments lay a story of always putting the team first. "It starts with a vision for the self but it ends up being a vision for community and for country."
She said Cormac's life teaches each young person to seek the best in themselves, and to build on their strengths and confront their weaknesses.
Mrs McAleese added that before his sudden death in March 2004 after a virus attacked his heart, McAnallen charted his own path and exercised the moral pull that is the hallmark of every good leader.
The Cormac McAnallen Trust has since been set up by the GAA, along with his family, in a bid to provide defibrillators at every sporting ground around the country and increase awareness of heart conditions.
PA