TRIBUTES have been paid to former Tipperary captain Matt Hassett, who has died aged 93.
The Toomevara man, who also served as president of Tipp’s county board, skippered the Premier to a one-point victory over Dublin in the 1961 All-Ireland SHC final.
Former Tipperary captain Matt Hassett has died aged 93[/caption]
In a statement, Tipperary GAA said: “Matt has served his county and his club well over the years as a player, an efficient administrator and a loyal supporter.
“Throughout all those years he was greatly admired by many, especially for his wonderful sportsmanship, his ready wit and great sense of humour.
“Above all, his modesty endeared him to many.”
Hassett won his second All-Ireland medal as a substitute in 1962, a year after captaining Tipp to Liam MacCarthy Cup glory.
A hand injury led to his early retirement, although he made a brief return with Toomevara in 1968.
A talented dual player, he also won county senior football championship medals with a North Tipperary selection in 1958 and again in 1959 and 1961 with a combined Toomevara/Inane Rovers/Moneygall side.
Off the pitch, Hassett had a distinguished legal career as a solicitor and long-time partner at James O’Brien & Co. in Nenagh.
He combined that with years of service to the GAA.
While still a player, he acted as secretary of the Toomevara club before going on to serve as chairman and eventually club president.
He became secretary of the North Tipperary Board from 1964 to 1969 and was later treasurer of the Tipperary County Board between 1973 and 1975.
In 2015, he was appointed President of the Tipperary County Board, succeeding the late Tommy Barrett.
Hassett was also a selector with the Tipperary minor hurlers from 1965 to 1968 and served on the under-21 management team in 1965, 1966 and 1968.
Predeceased by his wife Ann and son Kevin, he is survived by his sons Mark and Paul.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
